Written Answers. - Youth Projects.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:
288
Mr. Gregory
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he will provide details of the youth diversionary scheme; the criteria for prioritising and selecting proposals in this regard; the number and locations of projects currently funded; when a proposal for O'Devanney Gardens area, Dublin 7 (details supplied) will receive funding; and if he will have arrangements made for all correspondence from the North Inner City Drugs Task Force in relation to this matter to be replied to.
[14022/98]
The Garda Síochána are involved in the development and operation of 14 special projects, previously called Garda community based projects, which are aimed primarily at diverting juveniles from possible involvement in crime. In the Dublin area, projects are located in Ronanstown, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Cherry Orchard, Priorswood/Darndale, the north inner city and Finglas. Outside the Dublin area, there are projects in the Knocknaheeney, Mahon and Glen areas of Cork, in Moyross and Southill in Limerick, in Dundalk and in Ballybeg, Waterford.
The projects, which are aimed at young people in the ten to 18 age group, are funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and administered by advisory committees which are multi-agency in nature. Usually they involve gardaí, probation and welfare personnel, voluntary youth organisations, clergy and, most importantly, representatives of the local communities.
Through a combination of intervention and prevention programmes which involve, for example, schools projects, sports club facilities and other, mainly recreational and developmental activities, the special projects focus on juveniles who are already involved in crime or who are likely to drop out of the eduction system prematurely, together with those in need of emotional and developmental support due to family circumstances. The projects are also directed towards those who are unable to participate in other youth activities due to behavioural difficulties.
The concept of the special projects has its origins in the increased awareness and acceptance that, whatever the relative significance, factors such as unemployment, lack of educational opportunity and various other social disadvantages contribute towards criminal activity and disorderly behaviour.
Special projects are established in communities where a specific need has been identified. The initiative generally comes from the ground up, usually from the Garda Síochána or from a statutory or voluntary agency working in the community, or from residents themselves. While the projects do not all conform to the same structure, as they are tailor made to address the specific needs and problems in each area, they do have the same common theme running through them.
Proposals for a number of similar projects, including the proposal referred to by the Deputy, are under consideration in consultation with the Garda Síochána, having regard to resources available and the need for co-ordination with other relevant agencies.
With regard to the correspondence mentioned, a letter has been received recently which refers to previous correspondence concerning the proposal referred to by the Deputy. I understand that there has been contact on a number of occasions between officials of my Department and representatives of the North Inner City Drugs Task Force concerning the proposal in question. In any event, a reply will issue to the correspondence in the near future.
