Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 provides for an expanded mandate of the Youth Diversion Project (YDP) network under three broad priority headings:

• early intervention with younger children at risk of later involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour;
• family support; and
• work with harder-to-engage young people who are heavily involved in criminal activity, including at risk of recruitment by criminal gangs.

In Budget 2025, the funding allocated to Youth Justice Services amounted to just over €36 million, the vast majority of which is allocated to maintaining and expanding YDPs. There are currently 93 YDPs throughout the State.

The minimum core ‘package’ for a YDP now includes two Youth Justice Workers, together with as may be appropriate in the specific locality; a family support youth justice worker, an early intervention youth justice worker and an outreach youth justice worker to engage with harder-to-reach young people, and a team leader in situations where the number of other staff requires such a post.

However, all these additional elements will not be required in all areas, and the actual cost of a YDP varies according to the size and population base of its catchment area, local needs and availability of other, complimentary, public services in the area. Full implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy model remains a priority for me to be realised progressively over the coming years, building on the significant progress that has already been made since 2021.