Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement in full the recommendations of the Youth Justice Review 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In December 2005, following publication of the Youth Justice Review, the Government agreed a programme to implement youth justice reforms. These reforms included the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Children; the establishment of the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) as an executive office of my Department; and a number of legislative amendments to the Children Act 2001. These were aimed at changing the way in which responsibility for youth justice matters was previously spread across a number of Departments.

I am pleased to say that the recommendations of the Youth Justice Review have been implemented. Responsibility for youth justice matters is now co-ordinated and focused by a single body, the IYJS, which works in partnership with the criminal justice agencies, the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and other statutory and non-statutory bodies. The commencement of all provisions of the Children Act, 2001, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 has also been completed. In addition, progress is being made on the ongoing redevelopment of children detention facilities and the implementation of the recently published National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. I am confident the implementation of these reforms will make a difference in helping to reduce offending and improve outcomes for both young people and the public in general.