Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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633. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of persons employed as youth justice workers in Garda youth diversion projects in Ireland in tabular form by county and or appropriate geographical area. [18391/22]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community based organisations that operate as a vital support to the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme. There are currently 105 YDPs across the State, which are funded through my Department.

Under the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-27, 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 Strategy commits to the broadening and deepening of services provided by YDPs and acknowledges the importance of Early Intervention and Family Support programmes for children at risk, as well as access to appropriate Education, Training and Youth Services.

Budget 2022 includes an additional allocation of €6.7 million for Youth Justice services, which includes provision for the broadening of YDP services.

The attached table provides a breakdown of the number of youth justice workers by Youth Diversion Project, further broken down by Garda Division and District. The figures provided are on a Full Time Equivalent basis.

">Youth Justice Workers.