I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána strives to deliver a professional service of the highest standards to all members of the community.
The Garda Síochána places emphasis on working with young people and in particular with youths from marginalised communities. This commitment is particularly evident in the policies of the Garda national juvenile office and Garda youth diversion projects. The success of the youth diversion programme is self evident with figures of 87% of juveniles cautioned reaching their 18th birthday not having re-offended on coming to Garda attention for anti-social or criminal activity.
The fact that the diversion programme is now legislated for under the Children Act 2001 is also an indicator of its success. The introduction of restorative justice concepts into diversion has brought more into focus the position of crime victims, by giving them a voice and encouraging young people to recognise the effect of their behaviour. This concept enables the young offender to learn from misbehaviour in a caring but firmly structured environment and assists in diverting young offenders away from criminality.
The Garda youth diversion projects, of which there are 64 throughout the country, work primarily with marginalised youths who would be considered at risk of becoming involved with criminal activities. These projects are funded by my Department and have a primary goal of developing their participants into caring contributing members of society. Many projects are based in the communities from which the young people come and engage with the local community in a positive manner. The majority of referrals to these projects are from juvenile liaison officers and community Garda personnel, but referrals are also taken from teachers and members of the local community.
The Garda schools programme continues to be delivered throughout the State to children in fifth and sixth class of primary school and allows for interaction in a non-confrontational environment. The programme is delivered by locally based gardaí. A new programme for junior cycle secondary schools has been piloted and will be rolled out nationally next September as part of the Department of Education and Science's social political and health education programme.
A large number of gardaí are involved in sporting and youth organisations in their recreation time. This involvement continues to benefit communities and in particular creates an awareness among young people of Garda commitment to their well-being. In the 2004 policing plan the Garda Commissioner has given an undertaking to carry out research in the form of a survey to examine the attitudes and experience of young people towards the Garda. The survey will also examine attitudes of young people toward delinquency.
The Garda research unit at the Garda College has been tasked to carry out this survey. The results of this research when available will assist in the review and formulation of policy where necessary.
