Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 6

Written Answers. - Youth Diversion Projects.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

132 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if, in respect of the youth project at Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, for which she recently allocated £50,000 in funds the extent to which the gardaí are involved in this type of youth project; the objectives of the youth project; the way in which these objectives are met; the type of premises and equipment required for such a youth project; the activities which persons will be engaged in; the further funds, if any, she has available in the current year for the development of similar youth projects in other areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3447/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda Síochána are centrally involved on the committees of all of the Youth Diversion Projects funded by my Department to date. Moreover, they take an active part in the planning and implementation of the activities of each project.

These projects target young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, substance or drug abuse, or those already involved; young people likely to drop out of the education system prematurely; those in need of emotional and developmental support due to family circumstances; those unable to participate in other youth activities because of behavioural difficulties.

The objectives of these projects include: (i) identifying the young people at risk and assessing intervention programme to service their needs; (ii) addressing the needs of the target group by promoting productive and creative use of their leisure time with a view to enabling their integration into main-stream youth activity groups; (iii) liaising closely with parents, schools, other agencies and the community in general; (iv) developing Garda/community relations.

The premises used, and equipment required, for these projects varies and is decided on by each committee having regard to local needs and the type of activities undertaken.

The projects stimulate young people in a positive way through arts and crafts; drama/dance/music; cooking; community awareness courses; camping; climbing; fishing as well as communication and life skills. In this way the young people are helped to appreciate and understand the value of sport, art, the countryside etc. as well as benefiting from their involvement in these activities in groups.

These projects play an important part in community-based strategies which are directed towards diverting young people at risk from crime. I am fully committed to developing similar projects in other areas where they are needed and have provided sufficient funds in the Garda Vote for that purpose.