Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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310. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the work of youth diversion programmes in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18793/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to building stronger and safer communities and implementing policies designed to create a pathway to divert young people away from a life of crime.

As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime or anti-social behaviour, and to support wider preventative work in the community and with families at risk. There are currently over 100 YDPs throughout the State providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote pro-social behaviour and improve long term employability prospects for participants.

Youth diversion is not about young people avoiding punishment or consequences. It is about recognising that many young people who do stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to get their lives back on track. The work of the YDPs benefits everyone in our communities as they work to promote pro-social activities and outcomes for young people at risk of a life of criminality.

Funding for YDPs is provided by the Department of Justice and co-financed by the European Union under ESF+ and, in Budget 2023, a further €2.5 million in funding was allocated to youth justice services, increasing the total budget allocation for the YDPs and other youth justice projects to €30.24 million.

This funding will be deployed with the assistance of the best available research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime.

I can advise the Deputy that there are four YDPs that cover the Louth area. These YDPs and their current funding allocations are detailed in the attached table, which I have appended to this answer for the Deputy’s further information.

I can also advise the Deputy that the Drogheda Implementation Board has decided to add an action to the Drogheda Implementation Plan on the provision of early intervention supports for 8-11 year olds, and it is anticipated that this additional service can be provided by provision of extra funding to the relevant YDP.

*2021 allocation includes a capital grant of €25,000 for a vehicle. 2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €35,000 for a vehicle, €3,418 for equipment and €42,693 for an additional 1.0FTE Early Intervention Worker and 0.5FTE Family Support Worker.

**2021 allocation includes a capital grant of €66,000 for a vehicle, €12,500 for renovations and €113,696 for an additional 3.0FTE Youth Justice Workers. 2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €2,489 for equipment.

^2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €21,841 for a vehicle, and €55,077 for an additional 1.0FTE Youth Justice Worker.

^^2022 allocation includes a capital grant of €54,000 for a vehicle.