Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

This is an important debate. I am sorry to hear Members state we should not have it, particularly in the week when the Ceann Comhairle welcomed the President, Mary McAleese, and young people to the Dáil Chamber last Friday and Saturday. I heard reference to the empty Gallery and it is not the first time we have had this. I am glad my young son, Niall, on his own volition, came to hear the debate. At least somebody is watching me.

I often state that I bring my life experience to politics and I feel confident about this debate. Apart from the youth work I did when I was quite young I was also involved in the Community Games organisations which I heard mentioned previously. I was the Dublin and national PRO for ten years. My last real job was as communications director with the National Youth Federation. I was also nominated by the then Government to be involved with Gaisce when former President Hillery was in office. I was the first chairman of the County Dublin youth committee. I am competent to deal with this matter.

Many people mentioned various matters and my colleague mentioned almost every town in Cork. I could mention almost every street in Tallaght but I will resist. Tallaght is the third largest population centre in the country with an extremely young population. It is estimated that 25,000 young people in Tallaght are still in school and this poses particular challenges. It is important that I discuss the need for more resources and facilities. I am not afraid to speak with young people and the positive message I hear from them is that Tallaght has experienced major progress in recent years.

The economy has been buoyant in recent years and many colleagues make the point that it has been difficult for community and youth groups to find volunteers. Despite this, the National Youth Council stated that so far this year, 8,000 people have sought Garda vetting to join youth services as volunteers. This is a positive sign and an upward trend. As somebody who worked in youth services, I was always impressed by the relationship between paid staff and volunteers. It has always been an easy relationship and I am glad this is the case.

Since 1982, Foróige has had a presence in Tallaght through the Tallaght youth service and much progress has been made in this regard. We now have ten Foróige groups throughout the constituency. I understand the Tallaght youth forum conducted a consultation process with young people. Matters raised by young people as part of that process and with me and other TDs include the need for more information on racism and discrimination. They are also anxious to know about alternatives to drugs and alcohol and they are concerned about security in the area. They are also concerned about their relationship with local gardaí and this is an important point. Young people want to be listened to and they want us to respond as opposed to listen and do nothing. Public representatives have a role to play in this regard and we should reach out.

I wish to pay tribute to the MC Teens group in Tallaght west which last week won a Foróige youth citizenship award. Its project was to examine the concerns of the local community with regard to Tallaght Hospital. This is a good example of young people responding to community needs as they see them.

We must continue to understand the need for facilities and resources. The other side is that we must invest money in Garda diversion projects. While it is money well spent, we should be more positive. The more positive youth work we have the less reliance we will have on Garda diversion projects. With regard to what Deputy Finian McGrath stated, I had a happy healthy childhood and we should aspire to everyone having the same.

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