Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

292. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of the Kerry Garda youth diversion programme, GYDP, pilot will be completed; and the reasons the decisions being made regarding a move towards tendering are being implemented for other GYDPs in view of the fact the report on the pilot is not yet completed. [7428/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A divisional Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) service delivery model was introduced in County Kerry in 2015.  This new pilot approach, known as the Kerry Realignment Project, was implemented by Kerry Diocesan Youth Services in conjunction with the Kerry Division of An Garda Síochána.

I am advised that an independent evaluation of the operation of this model was commissioned by the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) last year and a report in this regard is expected shortly.

The Deputy might note that my Department is obliged to carry out a call for proposals process in relation to GYDP services in 2018 as these projects are co funded by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020. The call for proposals must take place irrespective of the Kerry Realignment Project evaluation.

GYDPs deliver a valuable service to young offenders and provide an effective and essential support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme by An Garda Síochána. The call for proposals provides the opportunity to update and improve the operating model of a very valuable service.  The new model will ensure state-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people who have committed a crime or engaged in anti-social behaviour, which does not exist at present.

While certain aspects of the new service model have been determined, IYJS is currently undertaking an extensive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders with a view to informing further development of the model in advance of the call being issued.

The findings of the independent evaluation of the Kerry divisional model will further assist in the development of GYDP services generally.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

293. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it has been decided to move towards a tendering model for Garda youth diversionary programmes, GYDPs; and the assessments that have been made on the impact this will have on independent GYDPs, their staff and the communities they serve. [7429/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can inform the Deputy that my Department is obliged to carry out a call for proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

GYDPs deliver a valuable service to young offenders and provide an effective and essential support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme by An Garda Síochána. The call for proposals provides the opportunity to update and improve the operating model of a very valuable service.  The new model will ensure state-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people who have committed a crime or engaged in anti-social behaviour, which does not exist at present.

In relation to the impact of the new approach on existing service providers, I am advised that the Irish Youth Justice Service is currently engaged in an extensive consultation process with relevant stakeholders in relation to all aspects of the GYDP change programme, with a view to the further development of the service delivery model prior to the call for proposals being issued.