Annual report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2017.

2017 saw youth referrals to the Diversion Programme rise to 20,006 from 17,615 in 2016. There was an increase in the proportion of Informal Cautions and a decrease in Restorative Cautions between 2016 and 2017, with other categories close to last year’s levels. There was a total of 1,402 children deemed unsuitable for the Programme in 2017 up 12% on the 2016 total of 1,249 - based on the most recent referral received. The proportion of children deemed unsuitable for the Programme was 13% in 2017, which has remained unchanged since 2016. By request of the Committee, the Garda Síochána Analysis Service also carried out an in-depth analysis of youth crime for the period 2013-2017. The analysis had a particular focus on “High Impact” Crime which is categorised as Burglary, Robbery, Sale and Supply of Drugs and Assault Causing Harm. These offences have been linked to each Garda sub-district in which they occurred which highlights the geographical areas which may require the targeting of additional resources. The report includes figures for Drunkenness offences, Purchase/Consume Alcohol U18, Possess drugs for personal use, Possess drugs for sale or supply, Obstruction under Drugs Act, Cultivation or manufacture of drugs, Driving/In charge over legal alcohol limit, Drugs - Driving offence