Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I am disappointed with the Minister of State's reply because it indicates that the fund will not be made available to Clonmel. Does the series of drug-related murders which took place in the town over the past few years not represent evidence of a drug problem? A youth task force based in the town, Clann Óg, sent a request to the Minister for additional youth workers and reported that Clonmel is seriously under-resourced with regard to youth workers and facilities. Is prevention not better than cure and is it not preferable to provide services and facilities at an early stage so as to nip problems in the bud? Far more resources and funding will be required if these problems have to be addressed at a later stage. The request from Clann Óg for five additional youth workers is evidence of the need to make funds available to Clonmel. Does the Minister of State not agree on the necessity of funding programmes such as a springboard family project, a neighbourhood youth programme for Elm Park and youth services for the RAPID areas of the town? I urge him to reconsider the issue with a view to providing funds and additional youth workers to Clonmel.

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