Written answers

Wednesday, 17 October 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Youth Diversion Projects

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a Garda youth diversion project for Carrigaline, County Cork. [24154/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved (or further involved) in anti-social and/or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, and promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/community relations.

The recent establishment of 12 new Garda Youth Diversion Projects brings the current total to 93 projects operating throughout the country. This represents significant progress towards fulfilling the pledge made by the Government to increase the number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects in Ireland to 100 by the end of this year. I am confident that this target is an attainable one.

The Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals to me for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects following periodic assessment of applications received from community groups etc. The locations for new Projects are selected on the basis of factors including an increase in the level of juvenile crime in the area and the number of young people referred to the Juvenile Diversion Programme.

There are currently 10 Projects operating in Co. Cork, the most recent of these was established in Togher in September of this year. In total, funding in excess of €700,000 has been allocated to projects operating in Co. Cork for 2007 to cover operating costs. I can confirm that an application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in Carrigaline, Co. Cork has been received by the Commissioner's Office of An Garda Síochána. This application is currently being assessed by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with my Department.

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