Ms Suzanne Connolly:

I thank the Deputy for the question. In the communities we work in, we are well aware of the grooming of young people into inappropriate, short-term attractive propositions. It can give them money and a sense of status and excitement. We try to work with others, including the Garda, to give alternatives to children and young people, but it is difficult. It is particularly important to keep those young people engaged in school as much as possible and ensure they have a routine to their lives. That makes it less likely they will have spare time in which they can be associated with groups in the community which are not there for their best interests and are exploiting them. Education and keeping them involved in activities are key. If the traditional school does not meet their needs, we need to think of alternative schools that will interest and attract them. We need to ensure they can begin to get away from immediate gratification and think of other future possibilities and options for themselves so they do not think they have to go down a particular path.