Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2018

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

Questions (77)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

77. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is expected the committee appointed to monitor the effectiveness of the diversion programme will present its annual report for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37954/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, Section 44 of the Children Act 2001 provides for the appointment of a Committee to monitor the effectiveness of the Garda Diversion Programme. The Committee is comprised of four members, two civilian members and two Garda Members.

As set out under Section 44, the Committee is required to provide a report on the Programme to the Garda Commissioner annually, and the Commissioner is required to submit the report to the Minister.

While I understand that work on the Committee's 2017 Report is well advanced, it has not been provided to me to date. Once I receive the Report, I will arrange to have it laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, as required under Section 44.