Minister of State at the Department of Justice and TD for Limerick County Niall Collins has said that investing in Youth Justice initiatives is effective in preventing young people from entering a life of crime.
Minister Collins made the comments during a Dail debate on diverting young people from criminal activity this week.
He said: "We must all work towards seeking positive outcomes for young people who come into contact with the justice system. The Government is continuing vital work to implement the Youth Justice Strategy and youth justice strategy and we have made a commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a successor strategy.
"I have been fortunate enough to see firsthand the incredible work being done by people across the country in Youth Diversion Programmes.
"I have visited the LIFE project in Rathkeale as well as Solas in the Liberties. These Programmes give renewed hope to some of the most vulnerable people in our society, offering a chance at a better, more fulfilling life. Their work has been shown to have positive impacts on these young people, their families and their communities.
"Funding for Youth Justice in the most recent Budget was €36 million. Every cent pays us back in spades, as goes towards giving at-risk young people the chance of a better life and to avoid a life of crime."
Minister Collins recently visited the launch of the newly merged LIFE Youth Diversion Project in Rathkeale. The YDP is managed by Foróige, the National Youth Organisation, and has a team of staff across Limerick who work with some of the most vulnerable and at-risk young people.
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