Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request for funding towards the establishment of a youth diversion project (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this application will be favourably considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24232/10]

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. The projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which, primarily, seek to divert young people who have been 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 projects may also work with young people who are significantly at risk of becoming involved in anti-social and /or criminal behaviour. Essentially the projects provide a resource to An Garda Síochána, and to Juvenile Liaison Officers in particular, in the implementation of the Diversion Programme as set out in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended. There are currently 100 of these projects operating throughout the country. Most projects are located within areas of high social deprivation.

I can confirm that an application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in the town in Co. Kildare specified by the Deputy is one of over thirty similar applications from across the country which have been received by the Garda Commissioner. However, the planned expansion in the number of projects beyond the existing 100 has been re- assessed in the light of the changed economic climate and, in this context, the focus is now 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 2010.