Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 May 2023
48. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Justice the level of criminal offences committed by under-18s to date in 2023 in comparison with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25173/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed to building stronger and safer communities and implementing policies designed to create a pathway to divert young people away from a life of crime.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the count of youth referrals created in each full year 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023 is as follows:
|
2019 |
18,544 |
|
2020 |
16,313 |
|
2021 |
15,142 |
|
2022 |
15,732 |
|
*2023 |
6,236 |
A youth referral is created automatically when a juvenile is listed as a Suspected Offender for any crime incident.
*This is operational data taken from PULSE on 24 May 2023 and is liable to change.
