Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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107. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the development of a youth justice strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40325/19]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that an expert Steering Group is currently developing the new Youth Justice Strategy, including a review of the Children Act. The Steering Group commenced its work in February and has had a series of meetings during this year which will continue into next year.

The Group is tasked with advising and guiding the development of the new Strategy, including consideration of the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, from early intervention and preventative work, including family support, diversion from crime, through to court processes and facilities, supervision of offenders, detention and reintegration and support post release.

My intention is that we will have a draft Strategy for publication and public consultation by the end of this year, and that the Strategy will be finalised in the first half of 2020.