Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
41 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of juvenile liaison officers in the Garda at the latest date for which figures are available; if he has plans to extend the scheme in view of its proven success in dealing with juvenile offenders, particularly in the context of his commitment to increase Garda numbers to 14,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32520/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that as of 6 December 2004 there were 86 juvenile liaison officer, JLO, gardaí and eight JLO sergeants working in the various divisions throughout the country. In addition, the national juvenile office has a staff of one superintendent, two inspectors and two sergeants.
The Children Act 2001 came into effect in May 2002 and it was at this point that the existing Garda diversion programme began operating on a statutory basis. Included in that Act is the introduction into the criminal justice system of the concept of restorative justice and family conferencing, the provisions for which are currently being put into effect by the Garda Síochána. The diversion programme is delivered throughout the country by specially trained gardaí. Resource implications are constantly under review and applications for additional resources are made on a case by case basis when and where necessary.
On Garda resources generally, the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the agreed programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
The commissioner will now draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources and in this context due consideration will, inter alia, be given to the resourcing of the juvenile liaison scheme. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government.
The programme identifies particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high visibility policing and they will have a real impact.
