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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Ceisteanna (288)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda juvenile liaison officers that are available to all districts throughout Ireland and County Kildare to ensure a comprehensive programme that will reflect on improved reliance on An Garda Síochána and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51951/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Under Section 33 of the Act, the Commissioner shall determine the distribution and deployment of An Garda Síochána throughout the State. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

Part 4 of the Children Act 2001 (as amended) provides the statutory basis for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. The intention of the programme is to divert children and young people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour away from the criminal justice system and towards more positive life choices. Children who commit criminal offences are considered for admission to the Garda Diversion Programme, as provided in the Children Act 2001. Each such case is assessed and the Director of the Garda Diversion Programme, who is generally a Garda Superintendent, decides if the case is suitable or not for inclusion.

The operation of the programme includes informal and formal Garda warnings, delivered in the presence of parents or guardians, as well as provision for supervision by a Garda Juvenile Liaison Officer.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 30 September, the latest date for when figures are available, the following table shows the number of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers by Division and rank.

Division

Sergeant

Garda

Total

Cavan/Monaghan

2

2

Clare

1

1

Cork City

1

6

7

Cork North

3

3

Cork West

2

2

D.M.R. East

1

5

6

D.M.R. North

7

7

D.M.R. North Central

1

3

4

D.M.R. South

1

8

9

D.M.R. South Central

1

4

5

D.M.R. West

1

10

11

Donegal

3

3

Galway

4

4

Kerry

4

4

Kildare

3

3

Kilkenny/Carlow

2

2

Laois/Offaly

3

3

Limerick

1

5

6

Louth

3

3

Mayo

2

2

Meath

2

2

Roscommon/Longford

2

2

Sligo/Leitrim

1

1

Tipperary

3

3

Waterford

4

4

Westmeath

2

2

Wexford

3

3

Wicklow

4

4

Total

7

101

108

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