Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018

Tuesday, 17 April 2018

Ceisteanna (90)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

90. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the number of cases referred to the Garda youth diversion programme in each year since 2010 is accurate; his further views regarding the review into the programme that is being carried out; and when the report will be published. [16445/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Garda Youth Diversion Programme is an essential part of Government strategy to help tackle youth crime, and it is very important that it operates effectively.

As the Deputy is aware, a number of issues which impact on the effective administration of the Diversion Programme were identified following the completion, in June 2017, of an examination by the Garda Professional Services Unit (GPSU), and the Garda authorities subsequently initiated a comprehensive review process and a dedicated Review Team has been tasked with coordinating this work. 

I have received updates on the progress of this review and I am advised by the Garda authorities that records dating from 2010 to 2017 are under examination. I understand that in the seven year period being examined there were in excess of 160,000 diversion referrals recorded. While only a proportion of these require examination in light of the concerns raised by the GPSU, the review involves the manual examination of several thousand records spread across all of the 28 Garda Divisions. I am informed that the Garda authorities have established a review team in each Division to assist in this process.

Clearly, it is important that the Garda review is completed in a thorough and comprehensive manner. I share the Deputy’s concern that the issues in question are properly addressed and I have written to the Policing Authority, in the context of their oversight role of An Garda Síochána, to share my concerns. I understand that the Policing Authority are engaging with Garda management in relation to the on-going review process.

I have asked the Commissioner to ensure that I am fully updated on the outcome of the review process and stressed that every effort should be made to complete this work as soon as possible.

Barr
Roinn