Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1415. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 14 July 2021, the total amount that is in the fund for 2021; the details of the allocations made to date for the Garda youth diversion projects and proposals for community-based interventions in relation to the dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes and electric scooters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41293/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can assure the Deputy that the Government is strongly committed to tackling the issue of misuse of scramblers and similar vehicles. In May 2021, my Department invited the Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDPs) to present proposals for a scheme to offer positive alternatives to young people engaged in anti-social use of scramblers, including specific contact with GYDPs in areas that are most affected by this issue.

The community-based initiative is open to receive proposals from local areas, coordinated through GYDPs, and it is open to any GYDP to submit a proposal. The intention is that proposals submitted before the end of July may be eligible for support in the current year, subject to assessment of the details of the proposal. I can assure the Deputy that I will keep the operation of the scheme under review, with a view to providing appropriate support for local areas where there are significant problems with the misuse of scramblers, quad bikes and similar vehicles.

I can confirm that my Department has not yet received proposals from Community Based Organisations in relation to the dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes and electric scooters. The deadline for submissions is 30 July 2021.

For the Deputy's information, the below table contains the details of the allocations made to date for 2021 for the Garda Youth Diversion Projects. The total budget for 2021 for GYDPs is €17,701,477.54.