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Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018

Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Ceisteanna (179)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

179. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it has been decided without consultation that there will only be one service provider per Garda division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14411/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is obliged to carry out a Call for Proposals process during 2018 in relation to the provision of Garda Youth Diversion Project (GYDP) services, to fully comply with requirements related to the co-funding of projects by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.

To ensure State-wide coverage of GYDP services for young people, (which does not exist at present), the intention is that, in general, service provision will be aligned with Garda Divisions or other appropriate local areas with a distinct community identity as may be agreed during a wide ranging consultation process which is currently in train. Issues of community identify and numbers of potential participants on GYDPs in a given area will be key considerations here. I can assure the Deputy that final decisions in relation to service area boundaries will not be made until the consultation process has been completed.

My Department is very much aware of concerns expressed by youth justice workers and their representatives. I can assure the Deputy that careful consideration is being given to all issues raised by stakeholders involved in GYDPs as part of the on-going consultation process, which includes arrangements for an extensive series of meetings with community based organisations and project workers to facilitate closer communication and exchange of information in relation to these matters. The consultation process will help to inform further development of the overall approach in advance of the Call for Proposals being issued.

I can assure the Deputy that the new approach to GYDP provision which is being developed in preparation for the Call for Proposals will not reduce the level of service that already exists, or the importance of community involvement in its delivery. On the contrary, the intention is to build on, update and improve a very valuable service, so that it is available to every child or young person in the country who requires it. While certain aspects of the new approach have been determined, work is ongoing to complete the full details to be included in the Call for Proposals, which is expected to issue later this year. I firmly believe that community ownership and participation of the projects is an essential dimension that must be preserved and strengthened in the working out of this process.

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