T5. Mr Delargy asked the Minister of Justice for an update on any involvement that her Department has had, as we approach the summer, in supporting initiatives that are run by community and voluntary organisations in his constituency in Derry, particularly those that aim to minimise anti-community behaviour. (AQT 395/22-27)

I will not pretend that I can run through every scheme that the Department is involved in, but we have a relatively small footprint in the work that we do. The Youth Justice Agency is engaged in diversionary programmes dealing particularly with young people. The assets recovery community scheme (ARCS) is used to invest in community-based organisations that provide facilities. If the Member would like, I can provide him with further detail about what organisations in his constituency we fund on those issues.

I would definitely appreciate that. Thank you. Can you also provide me with an update on any cross-departmental work that you are doing, particularly with the Executive Office?

There are a number of areas where we work with TEO, including the Communities in Transition scheme. We also work with the Department for Communities on diversionary activity and trying to support young people particularly but also wider communities in building resilience against paramilitary and organised crime, which, we know, is a genuine issue for many people.

It was remiss of me not to mention that the policing and community safety partnerships (PCSPs) in each of the council areas are funded by my Department. My Department also invests in local projects and diversionary schemes to support the wider work of the PSNI and the other law enforcement agencies and their community and voluntary sector partners.