Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
214. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice how the people of Clare will benefit from her Department’s allocations in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45778/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that I secured a record €3.5 billion to support the Justice sector with a particular focus on building stronger, safer communities. The allocation provides for the services of An Garda Síochána, the Prison Service, Courts Service, my Department and a number of statutory agencies who operate within the Criminal and Civil Justice areas. This unprecedented budget will strengthen the work of An Garda Síochána and the criminal justice sector to prevent and detect crime and protect communities; allow for the establishment of the new statutory agency to support victims and work to eliminate domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; and fund the nationwide roll-out of Community Safety Partnerships.
Budget 2024 continues to build investment in diverting young people away from involvement in crime, to make youth diversion projects available in every community in Ireland for the first time, with an increased focus on weekend activities and marginalised young people.
There are currently over 100 Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs) in operation nationwide, including two in Clare. Clare will also benefit from the €4m provided next year with the launch of Community Safety Partnerships (CSP) to replace the existing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs). These will provide a forum for state agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns.
Projects from Clare will again be able to benefit from the Community Safety Innovation Fund I just recently announced. This fund which will reach €3.75m in 2024 and reinvests the proceeds of crime back into communities.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding for the Garda Vote in Budget 2024 is €2.3 billion. This includes funding for an additional 800-1000 Garda trainees. While the allocation of resources is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner, the focus of Budget 2024 is to benefit every community across the country.
