Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I want to reinforce Senator Burke's point, because I have been in the same place. The work they are doing there is tremendous. If you talk to the local community gardaí, or the local superintendent, they will tell you that it will cost the State tenfold, in the context of preventative measures, if we do not support the facility. I understand it is not orthodox in the sense that we would not all be familiar with it, but without putting the Minister on the spot, I ask him whether he or some of his officials could visit the facility, because it is absolutely fantastic. I speak as a teacher who has taught leaving certificate applied course and lower-stream classes where kids struggle. Their reason for coming to school is perhaps not as strong as those in the A stream. In my experience, these kids have taken the initiative and made the most of a second opportunity. I join with Senator Burke in appealing to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills to think outside the box with regard to this facility. I know we are not flush in terms of finances, but I think this is one thing we should really look at. It is not even in my constituency, so I am not being parochial about it.