In September 2019 Annabel Egan published a report entitled “Pilot A and Pilot B: Programme Evaluation 2019” This report highlighted the fact that young people engaging with the programs often struggle with substance abuse, come from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, or are from homes struggling with substance issues or poverty. Organized crime involvement was a major issue for some participants in this study also.
As a Garda member with 20 years experience of in dealing with youths who commit both serious and less serious crimes, I will give my honest opinion on whether the current system is working or not. I have extensive experience dealing with both Youth who offend once and Youth who are constant re-offenders.