Mr. John Lawlor:

Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked about unaccompanied minors. A positive response to the challenge of strangers coming to our shores should be cherished among young people. That is why scouting groups are involved in this issue in a world in which fear is being bred and there is the exact opposite response from leaders. It is correct to establish that value and state clearly that Ireland is a country that welcomes those who are at a distance from their homes. We are involved in the refugee access programme for the benefit of those coming to our shores but also for that of our young people in order that this value is inculcated in the nation. That is part of what Ireland is about. We have good engagement with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on this issue and look forward to receiving support in this regard in the future. We will expand our refugee programmes in the next few years and would like to part of the new programmes coming on stream.

The Deputy also referred to the number of staff. It is far too few to run an organisation of our scale. We have outgrown our professional capacity. Our recent manpower planning suggests we are ten to 12 staff short on the basis of the current volume of business, which means that we have to rob Peter to pay Paul to keep projects going and keep balls in the air. We understand the country has gone through a difficult time. However, there are 40,000 youth volunteers, of whom we have 12,000. There are 1,400 paid youth workers, of whom we have 35. Scouting Ireland is, therefore, good value for money. It will be important in the years ahead as the economy strengthens to recognise this. The fact that Scouting Ireland has been good at this should not disadvantage us and we should be allowed to improve our programmes. That will require professional support to open new groups, work in disadvantaged areas and expand our programmes for young people.