Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1097. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an itemised breakdown of the allocation and spending to date for the year 2023 of the Youth Justice funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37536/23]
View answer1098. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an itemised breakdown of the allocation and spending for the past five years of the Youth Justice funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37537/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1097 and 1098 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, funding for Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) and other Youth Justice measures has increased substantially in recent years, from €18 million in 2020 to a total allocation of just over €30 million in Budget 2023.
This funding is underpinned by ongoing research and expert evidence to keep young people away from crime. I believe every cent invested into building better outcomes for young people, and diverting them away from crime and exploitation, pays back significantly.
The table below sets out the breakdown of funding for the years requested by the Deputy. The advisory committees do not incur any significant costs.
Additionally, I hope to see the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 passed through the Houses later this year. This Bill will deliver on a commitment to criminalise those who target some of the most vulnerable in our society, our children and young people, in order to commit offences.
