There are currently 64 Garda youth diversion projects, three of which — KEY, JAY and YEW — are operating in the Tallaght area. In addition, one sergeant and four Garda juvenile liaison officers from Tallaght Garda station are directly associated with these projects.
I am committed to the continuing development and, as resources permit, the expansion of Garda youth diversion projects. A budget of €6.6 million has been provided for the Garda youth diversion projects and local drugs task force projects in 2006. This represents an increase of €1.2 million in the budget for youth diversion compared with 2005. It is my intention to ensure that 100 schemes will be established nationwide before the end of 2007. I have therefore asked the Garda Commissioner to bring forward proposals for further community-based initiatives in this area in light of the additional funding.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that an updated application for an additional project in the Tallaght area, the STAY project, was received by the Garda community relations section on 5 January 2006. The catchment area proposed by this project covers Tymon north. The application is currently being assessed by Garda community relations in accordance with the Garda youth diversion project guidelines. When the assessment has been completed, a recommendation will be forwarded to my Department for consideration.