Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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280. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is considering the development of a Garda Síochána youth diversion project for the Baldoyle, Howth and Sutton areas of Dublin 13. [1977/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Youth Diversion Programme operates nationally 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 them and their families.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects support An Garda Síochána and Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers in particular, in the implementation of the Diversion Programme. The projects primarily seek to divert young people involved in anti-social/criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. The projects may also work with young people who are significantly at risk of becoming involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour. By doing so, the projects contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda/Community relationships. My Department has responsibility for the Community Programmes Unit of the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) which manages the Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) network nationwide.

During 2014 and 2015, the locations of all Garda Youth Diversion Projects were reviewed in the context of the allocation of additional funding under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan. As a result, significant additional support has been allocated to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme in the Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region Northern Division including the establishment of three new GYDPs in Balbriggan, Donnycarney/Fairview/Clontarf and Kilbarrack/Killester/Raheny. In addition, the existing projects in Ballymun and Coolock were allocated funding to support the recruitment of an additional youth justice worker in each project. Should young people in the area referred to by the Deputy come to the attention of local gardaí, local Garda Management, in conjunction with the National Garda Youth Diversion Office and the Community Programmes Unit of my Department, may work with district GYDP Project Committees to include access to these services, as resources allow.

I was pleased to announce earlier this month that seven new Garda Youth Diversion Projects, including the three that I have already mentioned above, are to commence operations this year. The other new projects are located in Athy, Co. Kildare, Naas, Co. Kildare, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary and Rathkeale, Co. Limerick.