Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
841. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a review of the current youth justice strategy has taken place; if consideration has been given to updating the youth justice strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10066/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s focus on youth diversion and interventions is a keystone in the Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027. The strategy emphasises early intervention, prevention, family support and community engagement. It is aimed at promoting positive behavioural change and targeting this behaviour so that we can break the cycle of offending by young people.
Preparation will begin next year to create a successor strategy to be in place in 2028. Consultations with key stakeholders will take place about what has worked well in relation to the current strategy, any issues that require further attention and future priorities for the lifetime of the next strategy.
The current strategy also commits to the preparation and publication of annual progress reports. These reports, referred to as Implementation Statements, provide an overview of advances made by the Department and its partner agencies in a given year. Implementation Statements for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/publications/youth-justice-strategy-2021-2027/.
The Youth Justice Strategy is underpinned by significant funding, reflecting this Government's commitment to tacking youth crime and rehabilitating the young people involved. The budget allocation for Youth Justice measures has increased by 144% from 2020 to 2026 with a significant allocation of €7.3 million in additional core exchequer funding for Youth Justice measures announced as part of Budget 2026.
