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 offences