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.