Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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17. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the Garda youth diversion project; the number of children admitted to the Garda youth diversion programme in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43691/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the statutory framework relating to young offenders and the Garda Diversion Programme is set out in the Children Act 2001. The Act essentially provides that where a young person is responsible for committing a crime s/he shall be considered for admission to the Diversion Programme. In order for a young person to be admitted to the Programme s/he must take responsibility for their offending behaviour; agree to be cautioned by a Garda; and where appropriate agree to terms of supervision.

The most recent figures available from An Garda Síochána in relation to the number of young people admitted to the Programme are for 2015. 7,282 young people were admitted to the Programme in that year and 1,479 were deemed unsuitable for the Programme.

The operation of the Diversion Programme is supported by the nationwide network of Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs). GYDPs are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which primarily seek to divert young people who have become involved in criminal and/or anti-social behaviour. There are 105 of these projects in place nationally and they are funded by my Department.

A committee to review the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme reports annually as provided in section 44(6) of the Children Act. In addition, a Group, established by the former Garda Commissioner, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the existing Youth Diversion Programme and its report is awaited.

The Garda Youth Diversion Programme is an important part of Government policy in relation to tackling youth crime and I am sure the Deputy will agree that we all want to see it operating effectively.