GRA blame ‘systemic failings’ for lack of prosecutions in cases involving juveniles

The GRA yesterday said it has sought an “urgent meeting” with the Garda Commissioner regarding the effective operation of the Youth Diversion Programme, following the publication of a garda review of the scheme from 2010 to 2017.

The Garda Representative Association blames ‘systemic failings’ for the lack of prosecutions in some 8,000 cases involving young people, and says it would be wrong to punish individual gardaí for the controversy.

However, a former member of the Policing Authority says it would be ‘hypocritical’ to complain about a lack of due procedure in prosecuting young people if gardaí are not disciplined for their wrongdoing.