Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on approving an application in respect of a town (details supplied) in County Cork under the Garda youth diversion programme. [32072/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Garda Youth Diversion Projects are funded by my Department through the Irish Youth Justice Service. 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 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 Garda Commissioner brings forward proposals to me for the establishment of new Garda Youth Diversion Projects in locations selected on the basis of a variety of factors, including an increase in the level of juvenile crime in the area and the number of young people referred locally 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 last year. In total, funding in excess of €970,000 has been allocated to projects operating in Co. Cork for 2008 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 Garda Commissioner. This application is currently being assessed by An Garda Síochána and a decision will be made before year-end in the light of available resources.