Vol. 515 No. 6
254 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which the community development programme might assist the anti-joyriding task forces in areas of great deprivation with a view to bringing the problem of joyriding under control. [6114/00]
As I have previously stated in this House, I am firmly of the view that the most effective way to tackle the scourge of joyriding is through a co-ordinated response at local level by a range of Government agencies. My Department is to the fore in such initiatives through its involvement in the integrated services process. For this reason, I warmly support the development of the community development programme, which is under the aegis of the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs. I am confident that, in conjunction with other area-based initiatives, the community development programme will make a significant contribution to addressing the many problems faced by our most deprived communities, including that of joyriding.
Since the inception of the programme, gardaí have worked closely with community development programme staff. A good example of this co-operation is that both agencies assisted in the establishment of the Wooddale Garda youth diversion project, which is funded by my Department. I am assured by the Garda authorities that this scheme has been a success in diverting young people from involvement in criminal behaviour, such as joyriding, to other more worthwhile pursuits, such as participation in youth groups.
Both the gardaí and the local community development programme representatives are actively involved in the anti-joyriding task force in Coolock. I understand that this group is currently examining a diversion programme for young people as an alternative to joyriding, and representatives from the Wooddale project and the gardaí are involved in this task. I have asked the Garda authorities to keep me informed of developments in this matter.
