John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 413: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community gardaí in County Mayo; the number of juvenile liaison officers in County Mayo; the details of Garda youth diversion programmes in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20915/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 30 April 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 8 members of An Garda Síochána assigned to community policing duties in the Mayo Division, four (4) in Ballina and four (4) in Castlebar. There were also 2 Juvenile Liaison Officers attached to the Mayo Division based in Ballina and Castlebar Garda stations.

While these are the numbers of Gardaí specifically assigned to community policing, it is also of course the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues. The Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for the prioritisation and allocation of resources within the Force, is currently reviewing arrangements within An Garda Síochána for community policing. I look forward to the outcome of the review and receiving the Commissioner's proposals for the future development of community policing in Ireland.

As regards the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme, it 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. 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.

At present, there are 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating throughout the country. Of these projects, there are two operating in County Mayo; Youth Action Ballina (YAB) and Castlebar Youth Action Project (YAC). The number of Garda Youth Diversion Projects established nationwide will be extended to 168 during the lifetime of the government, in line with the commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government.