Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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223. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for a breakdown of the number of young persons referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme in 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16260/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The statutory framework relating to young offenders (between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age) and inclusion in the Garda Youth Diversion Programme is set out in the Children Act 2001. The Act provides that where a young person under 18 years of age is responsible for committing a crime, the young person shall be considered for admission to the Youth Diversion Programme. In order for a young person to be admitted to the Programme, the child must take responsibility for their offending behaviour; agree to be cautioned by a Garda; and, when appropriate, agree to terms of supervision.

The Diversion Programme is supported by a network of Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs). YDPs are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime/antisocial behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk.

I am advised that there were 7,843 children referred to the Diversion Programme in 2023, 7% fewer than in 2022.