Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

133. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the juvenile liaison officer scheme has been expanded since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43710/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

134. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda juvenile diversion programme has been expanded since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43711/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.

The Garda Diversion Programme operates in accordance with Part 4 of the Children Act 2001, as amended, and under the general superintendence and control of the Garda Commissioner. The aim of the Diversion Programme, through the network of Juvenile Liaison Officers is to deal with young people who offend, by way of administering a formal or informal caution, thus diverting the young offender away from the Courts and minimising the likelihood of further offending. The programme embraces, whenever possible, the principles of restorative justice and, at all times, pays the highest regard to the needs of the victims. The programme has proven to be highly successful in diverting young people away from crime by offering guidance and support to the them and their families.

The work of the Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers under the Diversion Programme is supported by the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) through the funding and oversight of 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) across the country. While it has not been possible to expand the support provided by the projects to the Diversion Programme since 2011, the budget in 2014 for the GYDPs remains the same as the budget allocated in 2013.

An Annual Report of the Committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme published each year gives details of the resources deployed by the Commissioner in relation to the Programme. These are set out in the table.