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Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2019

Tuesday, 29 January 2019

Questions (259, 260, 261)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

259. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received the report by An Garda Síochána relating to youth diversion programme referrals from July 2010 to July 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4053/19]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

260. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the report by An Garda Síochána regarding the youth diversion programme referrals from July 2010 to July 2017 has been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/19]

View answer

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

261. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the report by An Garda Síochána regarding the youth diversion programme referrals from July 2010 to July 2017 will include a breakdown of non-prosecutions by Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4055/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 261, inclusive, together.

As I have previously outlined, it is completely unacceptable that crimes were not properly pursued in many cases. This situation must be thoroughly addressed, not only for the victims and the proper administration of Justice, but also for the future welfare of children who are often themselves quite vulnerable and who may go on to commit other crimes.

In the first instance, it is important to understand that the issues in question relate to youth crime cases deemed unsuitable for the Garda Diversion Programme. There are therefore no negative implications for the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme itself, which has operated successfully for many years, helping generations of young offenders turn away from crime.

The Policing Authority's public meeting with the Commissioner last week arose from an Interim Report from An Garda Síochána. As the Commissioner informed the Authority, further work is required to complete the detailed examination of these matters, including external validation which I understand is ongoing. The Deputy will appreciate that due to the sensitivity of some aspects of the Garda review, consideration of the precise details which might be put into the public domain will remain a matter for the Commissioner.

The Garda authorities have taken a number of organisational steps to prevent recurrence of the failures identified. The Commissioner has also established a National Bureau for Child Diversion to improve future management of this whole area. While there have been significant improvements, there is more to be done to achieve a comprehensive solution.

The Commissioner has been very clear that alleged failings by individual Gardaí will be fully investigated at Divisional level. The Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the Commissioner and his management team and any process of that kind has to be allowed to take its course and cannot be pre-judged.

The Policing Authority, which was established to provide independent oversight of policing, has indicated that it will follow through with further detailed examination of this matter and the remedial actions which are being taken. I can assure the Deputy that I will keep in very close touch with the Commissioner, and the Policing Authority, to monitor progress on the steps being taken.

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