Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí currently operating as juvenile liaison officers; if he has plans to increase the number having regard to the success of schemes operated by JLOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14057/08]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officers working here; his plans to expand the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14151/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 91 together.

As of 31 March 2008, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Juvenile Liaison service (JLO) was 102. The Garda Commissioner has given a commitment to appoint an additional 21 JLOs by 2010.

The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme has proven to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to juveniles and their families. It also enables referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects which operate separately from the Programme and aim to divert young people away from crime and anti social behaviour. These Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour. There are currently 100 of these types of projects operating throughout the country and this number will be extended to 168 in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.