Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
881. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the new measures introduced to ensure the juvenile diversion programme is operating as intended, that all cases are followed-up and if further actions are required. [33113/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner has given detailed information in relation to this matter when it was examined publicly by the Policing Authority and by the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality earlier this year. The Policing Authority continues to follow up with an ongoing examination of these specific youth justice-related matters to monitor the effectiveness of the remedial actions which the Commissioner has set in train.
As I have previously confirmed, the publication of information in relation to the more detailed aspects of the Garda Review will be a matter for the Commissioner and the Policing Authority. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is keeping in very close contact with the Commissioner, and the Policing Authority, to monitor progress.
The Deputy may also be aware that many of the major issues highlighted in relation to youth crime are already being addressed through the four-year Implementation Plan for the recommendations for the Commission for the Future of Policing in Ireland, which the Government approved on 18 December 2018. Implementation of the Commission’s Report will tackle the key issues of concern in relation to youth crime - inadequate systems and training, poor supervision, and failings by individual Gardaí
The issues raised relate to cases deemed unsuitable for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. Once again it is important to clarify that there are no negative implications for the effectiveness of the Diversion Programme itself, which is a valuable mechanism to help young offenders turn away from crime.
