Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

There is an increase of €16 million in funding for the youth justice service. The crime diversion programmes, as Deputy O'Sullivan knows better than I, thrive throughout the country. I have been critical of some and repeat that each should have two workers because employing a single worker is insufficient and represents bad practice. It is important to place young people in the care of such schemes because it will bring home the reality to them that opportunities will arise if they stay out of trouble, remain at school, participate in a Youthreach programme or attend a community training centre. I welcome the fact the probation and welfare service produces an extremely enlightened programme.

We are inclined to overlook small things. The graffiti removal programme, run jointly by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is an important initiative because there is nothing worse for a community than to see walls daubed with graffiti.

I have often been critical of the lack of modern IT in the Garda Síochána and am pleased to note that €38.4 million has been allocated for IT infrastructure to enable the Garda to combat crime. Very often the equipment gardaí used was non-digital, i.e. analog, and gang lords were well able to listen in to what gardaí said to each other. I welcome the fact the national digital radio programme is to be enhanced, as I do the introduction and expansion of the Garda traffic corps. I have to use some of the clogged roads in and around the city and the traffic corps will make a significant difference.

I pay tribute to all associated with the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel, which is probably the most significant engineering project this country has ever seen.

I also welcome the amount allocated in the justice, equality and law reform Estimate for expenditure on Garda stations. I particularly welcome the fact that construction has begun on a new Ballymun Garda station, for which we have been awaiting a long time. Tenders have been accepted for a new Garda station in Finglas, also in my constituency, and construction will begin later in December. It will provide fine, suitable accommodation for the Garda in that area.

I note the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has signed a contract for a new electronic fingerprint system. Again, one of the ways to combat crime is to keep up with the most modern technology so gardaí are equipped to stay ahead of the criminal.

There is unprecedented expenditure on education, in which I have a particular interest. The 800 additional teachers coming on stream at primary level this year, the enhancement of school buildings, provision of new buildings and the delivery of upgrading schemes through the summer works scheme are particularly important.

I welcome the emphasis on expanding the National Educational Psychological Service. That is an increasingly important service for which there is great demand. It started from a low base and is now being rolled out to approach a level where, by networking with the other services available such as home-school and community liaison teachers and the National Educational Welfare Board, it will make a difference. There is no doubt that the needs of some schoolchildren are being addressed at too late a date.

I have a particular interest in adult literacy. There is a huge increase in the Estimates for that sector and I hope a new drive will be undertaken by the Department of Education and Science to address the serious deficiencies in that area. I commend the Estimates to the House.

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