Vol. 574 No. 2
305 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of projects funded by his Department in regard to Garda diversion projects; the total funding paid in regard to such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26644/03]
The projects are crime prevention initiatives that adopt a multi-agency partnership approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour at community level. It is their role to bring about conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project.
Project co-ordinators and advisory-management committees are required to regularly review and assess their effectiveness and efficiency to ensure every effort is made to meet its overall aims and objectives. The projects are particularly targeted at 12 to 18 year olds who are at risk in communities where a specific need has been identified. The number of participants in each programme varies according to the level of intervention required. At present there are 64 projects and related projects in total operating in urban and rural areas. This year they have been allocated €5.577 million.
306 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a decision has not been made in regard to a project (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26645/03]
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Garda youth diversion projects in recent years. There were 12 in 1997 and now there are 64. This process was made possible, in part, by funding from the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The locations of the new projects were decided upon according to local needs, prioritised by the Garda authorities, in conjunction with my Department. Funding of €5.577 million has been allocated to these and related projects in the current year.
A proposal to establish a project in the Curragh Camp area has been received. It will be considered when funding to establish further youth diversion projects becomes available. In the meantime, the matter will be kept under review.
