John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on young people. Like previous speakers, I am somewhat puzzled as to the effect it will have. Deputy Dooley stated those of us on this side of the House should not be overly negative. I will try to respect his wishes. However, I would like to give those on the Government benches a few opportunities to reduce the negativity coming from this side.

I am completely in favour of consulting, engaging with and supporting young people at all times. There is a danger, however, that as they watch these proceedings later in the evening, they may wish to know what action will follow. We should focus more on action, the provision of facilities and the delivery of services. Consultation is pointless if action does not follow.

Deputy Terence Flanagan referred to children with special needs. If young people listened to the Minister for Education and Science's contribution to Private Members' business as it related to the NEPS, perhaps they might be willing to give their views on being refused the help they require.

I refer to a further example of young people and their parents being deprived of services for which they are crying out. Applied behaviour analysis, ABA, is the scientifically proven method of treating autistic children. A total of 12 schools have been approved for funding in respect of this method. I congratulate the Government in this regard. However, a further 12 schools submitted applications which, to date, have been turned down. I am familiar with one of these schools which is located in County Mayo and desperate to set up an ABA facility. It has collected €100,000 in the past nine months from fund-raising efforts alone. The Government has spent millions of euro on court cases in which it was obliged to defend itself for not providing some of the services to which particular children are entitled.

I would love Ministers to have heard the impassioned plea of one of the parents of an autistic child at one of the school's meetings in recent months. It would have brought tears to a glass eye. The father was paying tribute to his wife for looking after their autistic son. He referred to it being a life sentence on her because she was obliged to care for the boy 24 hours a day. The parents at the school were informed that if psychological assessments relating to their children were carried out, the position would be considered. They had them carried out on a private basis because it would have taken two years for this to happen under the normal system. The assessments were sent to the relevant Department but, as yet, no acknowledgement has been received in respect of them. Those involved in the project to which I refer might have something to contribute to this debate regarding the way in which their young people are being treated.

I could speak for hours about the importance of providing facilities for young people in towns and villages. This issue keeps arising when one engages with, talks to or consults young people. Many voluntary organisations are doing a fantastic job but they must continue to receive the support and funding they require. Again, I congratulate the Government in respect of the funding it is providing. I could also refer to the facilities provided in schools but which are not available after 5 p.m. However, I do not have time to do so.

Organisations such as the No Name Club should benefit from positive discrimination when it comes to funding for premises. This should particularly be the case on foot of the great work they do in promoting a positive outlook and a healthy, responsible lifestyle.

Young people who live on the fringes must be frustrated at the way they are treated. I am aware of a group of young people who could be described as boy racers. These individuals recently approached some adult leaders and requested assistance in respect of establishing an organisation for their members. They want to be seen to be acting in a responsible way and to complete a driving course that will assist them in obtaining cheaper insurance and becoming better drivers. They approached the Garda and received its support and are now working with members of the force and building a sense of trust with all members of their community. The name of the group, Ballyhaunis Automaniacs, might sound contradictory but I am aware of the great work its members are doing. We need more work of this nature and greater support for it.

I support the Fine Gael amendment to the motion, which is seeking a plan of action and a timeframe for delivery. As well as consultation, we should also be seeking action.

See this speech in context