David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 326, 327 and 328 of 16 December 2008, if he has reached a decision on which of the 38 applications received in 2008 are to be included in the Garda youth diversion projects; the number of young people referred to the programme in 2008; if a review had been carried out on the effectiveness of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7666/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, 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. At present, there are 100 GYDPs in operation throughout the country and these projects serve up to 3,800 young people at any one time.

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 primary 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 these changed circumstances, I do not, at this stage, expect to announce any new projects in 2009.

The first stage in reviewing the effectiveness of the existing diversion projects has been completed. An initial baseline analysis of the projects was completed in 2008 and the report on this analysis is nearing completion and will be published shortly. The work of IYJS and An Garda Síochána in improving the effectiveness of the diversion projects will be monitored by the National Youth Justice Strategy Oversight Group throughout the life of the strategy.