Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Youth Diversion Projects.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

68 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and location of all youth diversion schemes; the numbers of young people catered for in each case; the information, if any, he has on the outcome of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11563/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

In the current year, my Department will be funding 24 Garda youth diversion projects. This represents a doubling of the number of these projects from 12 to 24 during my term of office.

Of the 14 projects established between 1991 and 1998, seven projects operate in Dublin. These are located in Ronanstown, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Cherry Orchard, Darndale, the North Inner City, and Finglas South. In addition to these, six new projects are being established this year. These will be located at Donore Avenue, Hardwicke Street, O'Devaney Gardens, Ballybrack-Loughlinstown, Lower Ballyfermot and Ballymun.

Three projects have been established in Cork city. These are in Knocknaheeney, Mahon, and the Glen. The two Limerick city projects are based in Moyross and Southill. Two projects also operate in Waterford, one in the Ballybeg area in the west of the city, and the other in the Farran Park area in the south-east of the city.

The remaining projects are located in Bray, Tralee, Sligo and Dundalk.

The projects do not all conform to the same structure, as they are "tailor-made" to address the specific needs and problems in their area. For this reason, the numbers of young people involved in each project will vary from place to place, and from time to time.

With regard to the outcome of the schemes, the current network of projects are the subject of an evaluation being carried out by the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College.