Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
181 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the principles underpinning the Garda juvenile diversion programmes; the location and costs of and the numbers attending each such programme; the details of the education, training and employment elements in each case; and if he will report on assessments of the effectiveness of such programmes which have been undertaken in recent years. [25919/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda youth diversion project should be distinguished from the juvenile diversion programme. That programme, which has been in existence since 1963, was placed on a statutory basis by the Children Act 2001.
The diversion programme is delivered throughout the country by specially trained gardaí. The conditions for inclusion in the diversion programme are that the offender: is under 18 years of age at the time of committing the offence; admits to the crime or offence; has not been previously cautioned or, if previously cautioned, the circumstances are such that it would be deemed appropriate to administer a further caution; and the parents of the offender agree to co-operate with the gardaí. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an evaluation of the restorative justice programme, which was introduced into the juvenile justice system in the Children Act 2001, being carried out by the Garda research unit is nearing completion. The results of this evaluation are expected to be available before the end of the year.
Garda youth diversion projects, formerly known as Garda special projects, are established by the Garda Síochána following a process of consultation with local community interests and youth services providers. They reflect the Garda Síochána's commitment to a multi-agency approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour at community level. Projects are established in response to local crime problems, with the objective of giving local communities some degree of ownership in tackling the problems faced by their areas.
A management committee is established to run each project, made up of local community representatives, local gardaí, Probation and Welfare Service personnel and youth service providers. The local community is central to the operation of each project. To address local problems, each committee is expected to come up with solutions which are specifically designed to deal with those local issues. As a result, each project has developed its own individual style and local identity and each project differs from the others, though all are operating within the overall framework of guidelines set out, most recently the guidelines which I launched in May 2003.
The guidelines define the objectives of the projects as seeking to divert young people from becoming involved — or further involved — in anti-social and-or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda community relations. Project activities include intervention programmes and prevention programmes. Intervention programmes are designed for the needs of specific groups, that is, young people who have offended and are at risk of re-offending or young people who have been identified as being at risk of offending. Prevention programmes are broadly based programmes directed at all young people within the target group.
There are in existence a total of 64 Garda youth diversion projects. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of these projects, from 12 in 1997 to the 64 at present, a process made possible in part by funding under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Following local consultations, the locations of the new projects were prioritised according to local needs by the Garda authorities, in conjunction with my Department. Funding of €5.318 million has been allocated to these and related projects in the current year.
A Study of Participants in Garda Special Projects by Audrey Warren, Centre for Social and Educational Research, DIT, was commissioned by my Department and published in 2001. The study developed a profile of risk factors which are thought to be prevalent in the lives of young people involved with the projects. In 2000, a study by Matt Bowden and Louise Higgins of the Children's Research Centre, TCD, The Impact and Effectiveness of the Garda Special Projects, also commissioned by my Department, was published. The study concluded that the positive impact of the projects overall justifies their retention but that they should be moved towards a strategic approach by, inter alia, establishing a national advisory committee and developing comprehensive guidelines. A national advisory committee has been established and guidelines were developed which I launched in May 2003.
It has not been possible in the time available to provide all the information requested by the Deputy. The remaining information is being prepared and I will revert to the Deputy in due course. The 64 projects operate in 24 Garda division and 46 Garda districts, as follows:
|
Location |
Project Name |
|
Killinarden/Brookfields, Dublin |
Key |
|
Jobstown, Dublin |
Jay |
|
Whitechurch, Dublin |
Yew |
|
Crumlin, Dublin |
Poodle Close |
|
Santry, Dublin |
Woodale |
|
Ballymun, Dublin |
Bay |
|
Kilmore, Dublin |
Yak |
|
Blanchardstown, Dublin |
Web |
|
Ballyfermot, Dublin |
Cody |
|
Ballyfermot, Dublin |
Able |
|
Clondalkin, Dublin |
Swift |
|
Ronanstown, Dublin |
Graft |
|
Finglas, Dublin |
Fan |
|
Cabra, Dublin |
Cabra Youth Initiative |
|
Loughlinstown, Dublin |
LAB |
|
Bray, Wicklow |
New Directions |
|
Sandyford, Dublin |
Say |
|
Donore Avenue, Dublin |
Dan |
|
The Coombe, Dublin |
YIS |
|
Summerhill/Ballybough, Dublin |
NICKOL |
|
Hardwicke Street, Dublin |
DIME |
|
North Strand, Dublin |
St. Agatha’s |
|
Montpellier/O’Devany Gardens, Dublin |
MOST |
|
Location |
Project Name |
|
Knocknaheeney/Hollyhill, Cork |
Knocknaheeney/Hollyhill |
|
Ballincollig, Cork |
Ballincollig Action Project |
|
Mahon, Cork |
MAY |
|
The Glen, Cork |
GAP |
|
Farranree, Cork |
FAYRE |
|
Togher, Cork |
TACT |
|
Bandon, Cork |
Bandon Youth Project |
|
Cobh/Midleton, Cork |
Feabhas |
|
Tralee, Kerry |
Connect 7/Just us |
|
Killarney, Kerry |
BAPADE |
|
Moyross, Limerick |
CCYDG |
|
Ballynanty, Limerick |
LCNYDP |
|
Limerick City South |
LCSYI |
|
Location |
Project Name |
|
Raphoe, Donegal |
Raphoe Project |
|
Monaghan Town |
NYP Monaghan |
|
Sligo Town |
YABS |
|
Location |
Project Name |
|
Ballybane, Galway |
Ban |
|
Westside, Galway |
Bris |
|
Ennis, Clare |
The Ennis Project |
|
Ballinasloe, Galway |
Junction |
|
Roscommon |
RAD |
|
Ballina, Mayo |
YABS |
|
Location |
Project Name |
|
Longford |
Leap |
|
Mullingar, Westmeath |
EYE |
|
Athlone, Westmeath |
ALF |
|
Port Laoise, Laois |
BLOCK |
|
Tullamore/Clara, Offaly |
Slí Eile |
|
Edenderry, Offaly |
Acorn |
|
Muirhevnamore, Louth |
TEAM |
|
Cox’s Demense, Louth |
High Voltage |
|
Drogheda, Louth |
BOYNE |
|
Trim, Meath |
SMART |
|
Navan, Meath |
NYDP |
|
Location |
Project Name |
|
Manor Street, Waterford |
BALL |
|
St John’s Park, Waterford |
SWAY |
|
Waterford Inner City |
Waterford Inner City Youth Development Project |
|
Dungarvan, Waterford |
DAY |
|
Kilkenny City |
Kilkenny City Project |
|
Wexford |
SAFE |
|
Wicklow |
WAY |
|
Clonmel, Tipperary |
CYD Clonmel |
