Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Protecting our communities and reducing anti-social behaviour is a priority for me and all of Government, so it requires a whole-of-Government response. Everyone should feel safe in their communities.

A key part of this is the unprecedented budget allocation of over €2 billion to An Garda Síochána this year. This level of funding will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, with Garda recruits entering Templemore approximately every 11 weeks.

An Garda Síochána do outstanding work in supporting our young people by working with youth diversion projects across the country. In particular, An Garda Síochána, in association with the FAI and local authorities, runs the late night soccer league (LNL) programme in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

The LNL programme is open to young people aged 13-21, and takes place during prime anti-social hours such as Friday nights. The initiative is based around the concept of using football as a tool for social inclusion and learning and is just one example of the many ongoing efforts by An Garda Síochána to reduce antisocial behaviour and to protect our communities.

The Late Night Leagues aim to:

• Divert youths from Crime and anti-social behaviour;
• Encourage at risk young people to participate in meaningful activities, thus reducing anti-social behaviour; and
• Promote and further engage with youths and communities.

I am advised that a review of the LNL programme was carried out this year to ensure effective delivery of same. I am informed that the leagues will continue in cooperation with the Local Authorities and the FAI and that Community Gardaí will liaise with Local FAI Development Officers to create awareness and engage in the leagues.

I am further advised that a Youth Diversion FAI/AGS Late Night Leagues Pilot will commence in Q4 2023 to ensure specific engagement with 'hard to reach' young people. This will be led by the FAI Development Officer and a Divisional/District Inspector with responsibility for Youth Justice, along with the JLO Sergeant/Garda in cooperation with the Youth Diversion Projects. The pilot will run on a partnership basis within each Division/District.Target Groups are identified by local Juvenile Liaison Officers/Gardaí and the FAI Local Development Officer and engagement with the relevant groups.