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Crime Prevention.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004

Thursday, 8 July 2004

Questions (51)

David Stanton

Question:

43 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures in place or planned to divert young persons away from crime; and the effectiveness of these measures. [20823/04]

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Written answers

There are a wide range of measures in place designed to divert children away from crime. I understand from the Garda authorities that the Garda primary schools programme was first introduced in 1991. It involves specially trained gardaí calling to 5th and 6th class primary school children and delivering a programme that includes such topics as personal safety, vandalism and the role of the Garda, as well as road and cycle safety.

The Garda secondary schools programme forms part of the Department of Education and Science's social, personal health and education programme that is being introduced on a nationwide basis. Specially trained gardaí are available to deliver SPHE modules on substance abuse and personal safety. Both school programmes seek to provide guidance and assistance in helping young people advance their appreciation of the need to abide by the law within their own communities.

The Garda juvenile diversion programme is an effective crime prevention programme. It was first introduced in 1963 and was placed on a statutory basis in May 2002 following the commencement of Part 4 of the Children Act 2001. The programme is administered by the Garda national juvenile office and delivered locally by juvenile liaison officers who are based throughout the country. I am delighted to report that research has also shown that three out of four children who are included in the programme do not re-offend over a three year follow-up period.

There are 64 Garda youth diversion projects throughout the country. They are aimed at children who are aged between 12 and 18 years of age and who have offended or may be at risk of offending. These projects endeavour to engage the children in a range of activities designed to meet their specific requirements with a view to giving the child sufficient skills to allow them feel part of their community, school or place of employment. Various evaluations of the projects have concluded that they are a worthwhile and effective means of diverting children away from crime.

The Garda national juvenile office has introduced a restorative justice programme for children who offend. Under the programme, victims of child offending are given the opportunity to meet the offender in order to discuss how the offence has affected the person as an individual. The Garda authorities state that early indications show this process to have significant potential for changing the behaviour of offenders.

In addition to these national programmes, the Garda are involved in a number of local projects such as night time tours and splash week in Dublin south inner city and the youth achievement awards that take place throughout the country.

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