Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Youth Diversion Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

65 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on youth diversion programmes operated under the auspices of his Department; if he will give details of their location; the numbers catered for; the activities provided; the cost in each case; the research or evaluation, if any, carried out; the results in each case; and the plans, if any, he has to extend these schemes. [19740/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am assuming the Deputy is referring to the youth diversion programme operated by the Garda Síochána.

My Department funds a number of Garda special projects which are targeted at specific large, high density urban areas where there is a combination of a large young population, high unemployment and a lack of basic amenities. These community based, multi-agency projects have a very particular focus being directed at young people who are either involved in, or seen to be at risk of getting involved in, crime. The projects are also used to target juveniles who are likely to drop out of the education system prematurely, or are in need of emotional and developmental support due to family circumstances.

My Department is currently funding 29 such projects, five of which are being co-funded by the European Social Fund and by the Exchequer. These five particular projects are being established at present. The ESF funding has been secured on the basis that the projects will have an integrated long-term employment focus to prepare participants for the workplace. The allocation of ESF funds to these projects is particularly welcome in that it is the first occasion that ESF funding has been made available for initiat ives in the Garda area. The five projects are based in Ballinasloe, Galway, Ballybane, Galway city, Jobstown, Tallaght, Navan, Meath and Tullamore/Clara, Offaly.

Details of the 29 projects, and the annual cost in each case, follow.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the numbers catered for can vary depending on whether the work is of a prevention or intervention nature. In the case of prevention fairly large numbers of young people at risk would participate. During summer programmes, up to 60 young people per project could be involved. In the case of intervention smaller numbers participate in an indepth way and numbers can vary from six to 20.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the activities in which young people get involved are very wide ranging and would include literacy skills, numeracy skills, carpentry, art, soccer skills, hill climbing, swimming, canoeing, mechanical skills, music and personal development generally. In all projects misbehaviour is challenged and worked through.

My Department has commissioned an evaluation of the Garda special projects by the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College, and I am expecting a copy of its report shortly.

Since coming into office I have expanded the number of projects from 12 to 29. This is testimony to the fact that I value the work being done in this area by the Garda, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and community groups. The programme is the subject of ongoing review and the potential for further development is always a factor in these deliberations. The report of the Children's Research Centre will also be a factor in regard to the future direction and content of the programme.

Youth Diversion

Projects	Yearly Cost
	£
VISTA – Donore Avenue	50,000
MATES – Hardwicke Street	50,000
SWAY – Waterford 2	50,000
Bray New Directions	50,000
LAB Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown	50,000
MOST – Phoenix Park Area	50,000
BAY – Ballymun	50,000
Tralee	50,000
YAPS – Sligo	50,000
Lower Ballyfermot	50,000
GRAFT, Ronanstown	50,000
KEY, Tallaght	100,000
Moyross, Limerick	50,000
Knocknaheeney, Cork	70,000
WEB, Blanchardstown	60,000
Cody, Cherry Orchard	50,000
BALL – Ballybeg, Waterford (1)	50,000
MAY – Mahon, Cork	50,000
Southill, Limerick	50,000
WOODALE – Darndale and Priorswood	50,000
TEAM – Dundalk	50,000
NICKOL – North Inner City	50,000
GAP – The Glen, Cork	50,000
FAN – Finglas South	40,000
Projects	Yearly Cost
	£
ESF funded projects
Ballybane – Galway City	70,000
Ballinasloe – Galway	50,000
Jobstown – Tallaght	50,000
Navan – Meath	50,000
Tullamore-Clara – Offaly	50,000