The Government has agreed additional spending of £16 million for the programme aimed at promoting social inclusion for young people in danger of becoming involved in drugs and crime, particularly in disadvantaged areas, writes Jim Cusack, Security Correspondent.
The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, announced the spending as part of the National Development Plan until 2006.
There are already 29 Youth Diversion Programmes run by gardai in areas where young people are seen as particularly at risk. The additional 10 areas covered by the funding are Athlone, Co Westmeath; Ballina, Co Mayo; Bawnogue, Dublin; Drogheda, Co Louth; Ennis, Co Clare; Kilkenny city; Killarney, Co Kerry; Monaghan town; Togher, in Cork city; and Wexford town.
In the programme gardai work with other State agencies to provide support for young people and their families to help prevent them from drifting further into criminal behaviour.