Vol. 515 No. 6
47 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to substantially increase the number of juvenile diversion programmes sponsored by his Department in view of the thousands of referrals for juvenile offenders which were received at the national juvenile office; the priority areas where these programmes are needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6827/00]
As the House will be aware, I recently announced the allocation of £16 million in funding over the next six years under the national development plan for the significant expansion of the Garda youth diversion programme in urban and rural areas. These projects aim, through a combination of intervention and preventive actions, to divert young people from becoming involved in criminal activity and its consequences. The long-term objective is to enable the target group of ten to 18 year olds to integrate into the labour force in a systematic manner and to prevent them from becoming unemployable.
It is proposed to implement the proposal for expanding the number of projects on a phased basis over the life of the plan. Locations are being considered, having regard to the local needs as assessed by the Garda Síochána in conjunction with my Department.
I expect to be in a position to finalise details shortly on the first phase of this programme.
