Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will speak first and we will see how we go. I thank all the witnesses for being before the committee. It is a really interesting discussion. I also thank them for their opening statement and all the materials they sent us. It will take a while to read them all. It was interesting to hear them detail the work that goes on in the interface with young people that is youth-led. A large part of the problem is that we do not hear about the good things that are going on, the good collaboration and good communication. The media bear a big responsibility for that. Ms Watters mentioned the bus that was burned and straight away that was the story that was portrayed. That underestimates the work of the young people and of the witnesses being done on the ground. We must find better ways to ensure that is the message that goes out, that it is a positive one and that there is an acknowledgment of the good work done in the communities by the witnesses and by others where there is real leadership.

I want to get a better feel for what the witnesses are trying to achieve and have achieved. The Strive participants have been described as the agents of change who have been supported to develop meaningful and lasting relationships that ultimately contribute to building more peaceful and prosperous communities. What is the most standout example the witnesses could give me from the programme where that is demonstrated?