Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
462. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice the number of referrals by An Garda Síochána in an area (details supplied) to Garda youth diversion projects in each of the past five years and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18041/24]
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. 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.
Youth Diversion Projects are a fundamental support to the operation of the statutory Garda Diversion Programme and provide a vital ingredient in enhancing community policing partnerships. These projects are community based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which are funded directly by my Department. YDPs seek to divert young people who have become involved, or are at risk of becoming involved, in crime/anti-social behaviour away from future involvement with the Criminal Justice System.
An Garda Síochána is a referring agent to Youth Diversion Projects as well as a partner supporting the ongoing diversion of young people from criminal and anti-social behaviour.
While the projects primarily receive referrals from An Garda Síochána, they may receive referrals from other sources including schools, parents or self-referrals, including in some cases working with young people who are not under Garda supervision. Individual YDPs also undertake early intervention preventative work and support for families.
While my Department receives overall participant information (i.e. young people referred and admitted to Youth Diversion Projects), which I have provided to the Deputy in a separate PQ response with specific numbers for the Blanchardstown area, I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the data requested in this question is not retained by An Garda Síochána.
