The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D.,
today published the 2011 Annual Report on the Garda Diversion Programme.
The Minister welcomed the reduction in the number of children coming to the
attention of An Garda Síochána in 2011 compared to the previous year. The
figures show that 5,177 less children came to the notice of An Garda
Síochána in 2011, representing a 28.79% decrease on 2010. The Minister also
welcomed the expansion of the restorative justice process with a 14%
increase in practice on 2010 figures.
The Minister noted that the majority of children who were admitted to the
Programme were given an informal caution, i.e. a caution without JLO
supervision (6,944). This represents a reduction of 25.59% on the previous
year. A caution without supervision is generally applied for a first
offence or a repeat minor offence.
2,777 children were given a formal caution, with a period of JLO
supervision. 1,835 children were deemed unsuitable for diversion and these
files were returned to the local Superintendent for possible prosecution.
The top 3 youth offence categories for 2011 were Public Order and Social
Code Offences (29%), Theft and Related Offences (24%) and Damage to
Property and the Environment (11%). These offence categories are broadly
in line with the previous year.
The Minister noted that the Programme for Government makes clear the
determination of this Government to tackle anti-social behaviour and the
plague of low level crime that is so destructive of community life. The
Government is committed to continuing its work under the Programme to
impact on youth crime and on anti-social behaviour.