Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
461. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of young people participating in Garda youth diversion projects in an area (details supplied) in each of the past five years and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18040/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme (GYDP). The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Programme. Each case is assessed individually and the Director of the GYDP, who is a Garda Superintendent, decides if the case is suitable for inclusion.
Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme. The current network of 99 YDPs is extensive, but we will continue to develop it further to ensure every child who needs it is reached. Youth Diversion Projects are co-funded by the Irish Government and European Social Fund as part of the ESF+ Programme 2021-2027.
The Deputy may wish to note that I launched an evaluation of the YDPs last year, which demonstrates that the YDPs have proved very successful.
The below table outlines the number of participants for the YDPs operating in the Blanchardstown geographical area over the last five years. It should be noted that all three YDPs are under the Community Based Organisation, Foróige. The 2024 numbers will not be available until this time next year.
|
Youth Diversion Project |
Location |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
BEAT |
Corduff/Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
38 |
65 |
66 |
72 |
85 |
|
ORB |
Huntstown/Phibblestown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
21 |
39 |
57 |
70 |
45 |
|
WEB |
Fortlawn/Tyrellstown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 |
59 |
64 |
54 |
56 |
41 |
|
Total |
|
118 |
168 |
177 |
198 |
171 |
* The participant numbers are taken from the ESF+ Participant returns, and are always subject to change.
