Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1404. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of the youth diversion projects planned for County Louth in tabular forum.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41035/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme and provide a vital ingredient in enhancing community policing partnerships. These projects are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives.

Funding for GYDPs has increased every year since 2015. €15.3 million was provided in 2019 and at least €15.6 million was provided for 2020. €18 million funding has been provided for 2021 with a further allocation of €3m for innovative programmes to support interventions for children under the influence of criminal network (Greentown pilots) and bail compliance (Bail Supervision Scheme).

There are currently 105 GYDPs nationally and the intention is to further develop this service so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary. The necessary resources to implement the community based approach will be considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary processes.

Details of funding provided for Garda Youth Diversion Projects in Co. Louth in 2021 are as follows: