asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, he has taken to implement the Fianna Fáil policy as outlined in their 1987 election manifesto to strengthen the juvenile liaison scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Juvenile Liaison Scheme.
2.
As I indicated in reply to Question No. 27 on 10 November 1987, the Garda authorities have set up a working group to review the operation of the juvenile liaison scheme with a view to improving its effectiveness. The working group will be making recommendations to the Commissioner in the matter when it has completed its work and it is not possible to indicate at this stage the changes, if any, that may be introduced or when they will come into effect.
I thank the Minister for his reply but it is extremely unsatisfactory in view of the fact that his party decided they would make this matter part of their election manifesto and I presume they had plans thought out without having to ask the Commissioner to set up a study group. We are inundated with study groups. I put it to the Minister that his commitment to the juvenile liaison scheme is not very evident in the decision not to allow juvenile liaison officers to work at weekends. The saving involved is relatively small. Will the Minister not agree we should take steps to introduce methods to prevent crime? The need for additional moneys for our prison service speaks for the type of policy I am trying to pursue. Will he not agree there is an urgent need to have a properly thought out juvenile liaison scheme with back-up from the Garda Síochána, particularly at times when the gardaí are available to deal with young people at weekends through youth clubs, football clubs and so on?
This question is over-long.
Will the Minister not agree that this matter is in urgent need of attention?
Deputy Barrett will be very glad to learn that the Programme for National Recovery includes a proposal that the juvenile liaison scheme be strengthened and expanded as a preferred way of handling juvenile offenders. Because of that commitment, the Garda authorities set up an internal working group to review the operation of the scheme with a view to improving its effectiveness. The question of introducing changes in the way the scheme operates, expanding the scope of the scheme or strengthening the manpower and other resources available to it is being considered as part of this review. The working group were expected to complete their review within six months but I gather it will take some months more before their report will be ready for the Commissioner. This review will cover an examination of the various recommendations made through the years, such as those contained in the report of the Costello National Youth Policy Committee, the report of the Task Force on Childcare Services and the report of the Dáil Select Committee on Crime, Lawlessness and Vandalism, all in an effort to improve the JLO scheme. There has never been any question about the commitment of the Government to the workings of the scheme but there was the question of re-rostering JLOs from a seven-day to a five-day week. Arising from measures taken by the Commissioner to achieve financial savings on weekend allowances, JLOs were re-rostered to a five-day working week in December last. The Commissioner decided, having regard to the current difficult economic situation, that this change could be made without seriously affecting the service provided by the scheme. That decision was made by the former Commissioner, Mr. Wren, and endorsed by his successor. This is an excellent scheme and I am satisfied it is working very successfully. It is not necessary to spell out all its advantages. There was an increase of 25 per cent in the number of cases in 1987 as compared with 1986. I am satisfied that we will have a more effective scheme as soon as the review body are in a position to report to the Commissioner and he takes whatever action is necessary.
Do I take it that there have been no new appointments to the JLO scheme since the Government came into office? In view of the importance of this scheme in overall policing, will the Minister be disposed to make available to the House the report of the review body or a resume of its recommendations?
I think the Deputy misunderstands. The review is not being undertaken by my Department.
I appreciate that.
It is an internal Garda review. Depending on its findings, the Commissioner will decide the course of action required to make the whole scheme more efficient.
Simply for the guidance and direction of Deputies, some form of memorandum from the Department on this scheme and its future development would be appreciated.
I would be quite prepared at an appropriate time to answer a further parliamentary question dealing with any changes about to be put into place to make the scheme more effective.
Do I take it there has been no increase in staff?
The question of the allocation of staff is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
It is a policy matter which requires a policy decision by the Government.
No.
This document produced before the last election has a piece about the juvenile liaison scheme.
This matter should not lead to argument. The Deputy should put a relevant supplementary question.
Pending this report, will the Minister restore juvenile liaison officers to working at weekends?
No, I have no intention of doing that. I am satisfied, having regard to what the Commissioner and his predecessor reported to me, that this scheme is working satisfactorily.