David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda youth diversion projects in operation; the number of young people participating in each project; the location, number of staff, budget allocation and expenditure of each in 2008 and 2009 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46499/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new Garda youth diversion project applications received in 2008; the number of same which were approved and are in operation; the number of young people participating in youth diversion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46500/08]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of young people who were referred to the Garda youth diversion programme in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46501/08]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 to 328, inclusive, together.

Most of the information requested by the Deputy is contained in my replies to Questions 301 to 303 of 18th of November 2008, and Questions 343 and 345 of 25th November 2008.

As regards the additional information now being sought, I can confirm that 20,016 children were referred to the Garda Youth Diversion programme in 2006, and 21,941 in 2007. Figures for 2008 are not available yet.

Participant numbers in Garda Youth Diversion projects for the first six months of this year are in excess of 3,800. A breakdown by project is not readily available at this stage. There are 100 projects ongoing nationwide.

The following table sets out the amount allocated in funding to each project in 2008. Information on expenditure in 2008 is not available as yet. The position in relation to 2009 is that funding for individual projects has yet to be decided but there is currently an allocation of €20.26 million for community programmes which includes Young People's Probation and Garda Youth Diversion projects. Information on the number of staff employed in the projects cannot be collated in the time available but will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Finally, I am informed that a total of 38 project applications received in 2008 are being considered in accordance with project guidelines. The planned expansion in the number of projects beyond the existing 100 is currently being assessed in the light of the changed economic climate and, in this context, the focus will be on ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the services provided.