Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm if there is funding available for new Garda juvenile diversion programmes in 2009; if so, when this programme will be implemented in a town (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service, through An Garda Síochána. 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. There are 100 GYDPs throughout the country, of which 11 are operating in Co. Cork.

I can confirm that an application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in Carrigaline, Co. Cork is one of over thirty similar applications from across the country which were received by the Garda Commissioner in 2008. However, 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. The Irish Youth Justice Service and the Garda Síochána are reviewing the effectiveness of the diversionary measures as set out under the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010. In view of the circumstances, I do not, at this stage, expect to announce any new projects in 2009.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [3998/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area concerned caused by anti-social behaviour.

Persons engaging in such behaviour are dealt with appropriately, in accordance with the law. The behaviour is being addressed under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Acts, including by the issue of formal anti-social behaviour warnings, and the issue of fines on the spot for public drinking, under local authority by-laws.

A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated to this area and liaises with the local community. An active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is in place, and the community Garda attends its meetings. Any issues raised are addressed by local Garda management.

The area is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain-clothes members of An Garda Síochána, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit. Patrols are supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.