Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
260. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 15 October 2019, the number of juvenile liaison officer posts that are unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43570/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner has responsibility for managing An Garda Síochána and for the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for personnel matters and the distribution of personnel across the various Garda Divisions. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I am advised by the Commissioner that Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) are specially trained to fulfil a key role in implementing the Garda Diversion Programme. Their role includes the administration of formal and informal cautions as well as appropriate supervision of children who have been admitted to the Diversion Programme, as provided in Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 9 October 2019 there were 113 Juvenile Liaison Officers assigned at a divisional level nationally. I am advised by the Garda authorities that nationally, three JLO positions remain to be filled. I am further advised that the recruitment process has commenced for all three roles.
