Catherine Murphy
Question:378. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the budget allocation to the Garda youth diversion programme in 2023 and in 2024, in tabular form. [50946/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 November 2023
Questions (378)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister I have no role in these independent functions.
I understand that the Deputy is seeking the allocation to the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau (GYDB), which has responsibility for overseeing and developing the Garda Youth Diversion Programme nationally, which was put on a statutory basis under Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
The remit of the GYDB includes the administration, coordination and development of the Diversion Programme nationally. It holds an oversight position on all aspects of youth referrals and the Programme supports Garda divisions in ensuring effective governance and the timely processing of referrals. The Bureau also supports a network of Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO) Sergeants and JLO Gardaí distributed across every Garda division countrywide.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the operational cost of the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau and associated Juvenile Liaison Officers for the year 2023 is in excess of €10 million. It is envisaged that a similar cost will be incurred in 2024.