Vol. 510 No. 3
381 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a proposal to establish a rapid response unit in each Garda district area to deal with the problems of juvenile crime; the discussions, if any, he has had with the Garda Commissioner on this matter; the other proposals being considered to deal with the problem of juvenile crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22662/99]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the problem of crime committed by juveniles would not justify the establishment of a rapid response unit in each Garda district. While there are high levels of crime committed by juveniles in some districts, in others it is quite low.
In areas where juvenile crime levels are high, the gardaí operate or are involved in crime prevention initiatives such as the Garda juvenile diversion programme; An Garda Síochána special projects, of which there are currently 29. Proposals for the development of new projects in 2000 will be considered, subject to the availability of funding; local drugs task forces; integrated services process and Garda schools programme.
Crime committed by juveniles is also addressed through Garda involvement in child care advisory committees and local partnerships. The Deputy is, I am sure, aware that the Children Bill, 1999 will also provide a wide range of alternatives for dealing with juvenile offenders.
