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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Questions (155, 160)

James O'Connor

Question:

155. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the plans in place to expand Garda youth diversion projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29975/21]

View answer

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

160. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the status of the youth justice strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29707/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 160 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the new Youth Justice Strategy 2021 – 2027 was published on 15 April last.

The Strategy includes 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 actions in the Strategy focus on maximising opportunities to promote positive behavioural change and desistance from offending. This will require a sustained commitment to working collaboratively and effectively 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 (GYDPs) and promotes appropriate linkages and alignment with other community-based initiatives, including those supported by the Probation Service. Bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime will support the objective of diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

There are currently 105 GYDPs nationally and the intention is to further develop this service so that it is available to every child in the State who could benefit from it, through an ongoing expansion of existing services and the foundation of new projects where necessary. Funding for GYDPs has increased every year since 2015. €15.3 million was provided in 2019 and at least €15.6 million was provided for 2020. €18 million funding has been provided for 2021 with a further allocation of €3m for the Greentown pilots, Bail Supervision Scheme and Research Evidence into Policy Programmes and Practice (REPPP).

The Strategy also provides that, where necessary, GYDPs can provide a broader range of services, including family support and engagement with children aged 8-12 years, as well as developing enhanced approaches to engaging with harder to reach children and young people who may have more entrenched patterns of offending.

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; and

- 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.

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