Head of victim support group praises young offenders scheme

THE head of a support group for victims has praised a garda-led pilot scheme in which young offenders before the courts are dealt with by specially trained gardaí liaising with social workers.

The aim of the initiative is to help prevent reoffending, a joint policing committee meeting between gardaí and public representatives in Tralee has heard.

The meeting was also advised of a spike in under-age drinking in the town — but it was not taking place in pubs.