Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are community based, youth crime prevention initiatives which divert young people involved in or at risk from criminal/anti-social behaviour away from crime by facilitating personal development and improving their long-term prospects.

Programmes run by individual YDPs are outcomes focused, taking account of the needs, issues and circumstances surrounding referred young people including their offending behaviour as identified through the assessment process. The crucial work being carried out by these YDPs covers Youth Diversion for 12-17 year olds, as well as early intervention for 8-11 year olds, and family supports.

My Department is currently funding 36 Youth Diversion Projects covering the Dublin Metropolitan Region. To be of assistance, I have provided the information as requested by the Deputy in the spreadsheet attached.

As the Deputy will also be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am informed that Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are specially trained to fulfil a key role in implementing the Garda Diversion Programme. Their role includes the administration of formal and informal cautions as well as appropriate supervision of children who have been admitted to the Diversion Programme, as provided in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.

The table below displays the number of JLOs assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Region between 2018 and to date in 2023, as requested by the Deputy.