Youth Justice Strategy

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (1437, 1496)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

1437. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the new youth justice strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19494/21]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1496. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the progress made to date in respect of the youth justice strategy (details supplied). [20672/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Deputy James Browne)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1437 and 1496 together.

I can inform the Deputies that the Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 was published on 15 April 2021.

The Strategy includes consideration of the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, including early intervention and preventative work, family support and diversion from crime, through to court process and facilities, supervision of offenders, detention and reintegration and support post release.

The measures in the Strategy are premised on the need to maximise opportunities to promote positive behavioural change and desistance from offending. This will require a sustained commitment to collaborative working between State agencies and community partners, as well as a commitment to prioritise resource allocation to address factors connected to early involvement in criminal activity and more serious offending patterns.

The Strategy strengthens and expands the role of the Garda Youth Diversion Projects and other community-based initiatives, including those working with the Probation Service. Bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime supports the objective of diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Youth Justice Strategy provides a framework to:

- prevent offending behaviour occurring;

- divert children and young adults who commit a crime away from further offending and involvement with the criminal justice system;

- enhance criminal justice processes, detention and post-detention measures, to provide consistent support to encourage desistance from crime and promote positive personal development for young offenders.

The Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 is available on my Department’s website at: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Youth_Justice_Strategy