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

As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) operate as a vital support to the statutory Garda Diversion Programme in cooperation with local Gardaí. My Department funds the operation of 105 YDPs across the State at present, which are operated by community-based organisations.

The Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 identified a wide range of related and complementary measures and programmes which can assist young people in making positive life choices and avoiding repeated involvement with the criminal justice system. The Strategy commits to broadening the YDP service so that every child or young person who would benefit from this service may do so, primarily through the expansion of the geographical coverage of the existing network of 105 YDPs, but also through the establishment of a small number of new projects where a need is identified.

It should be noted that YDPs do not operate within defined Local Authority Area limits and some overlap of the reach of the Projects between local authority areas may occur, therefore YDPs based in particular postal areas of Dublin city may overlap into surrounding local authority areas that are not part of that postal area.

I am advised that the following table provides the details of YDPs in the Dublin 15 area as requested by the Deputy.

*Latest date for when figures are available. Data is reported annually mid-year to the Department by YDPs for the previous year.