Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Chris Andrews.

I do not intend to malign young people. On the contrary, society and elected Members must understand the pressures and anxieties young people experience and try to alleviate them through effective local and national policies. It is an important job of Government and public representatives to make and implement policies about young people on their behalf and in their best interests. Young people have never been so privileged or had so much, materially at least. However, in too many cases material success has been accompanied by pressure to succeed, depression and alcohol or drug problems. Thankfully, the number of registered suicides has declined in recent years. However, it is a matter of concern that more than one quarter of all deaths by suicide occur among young males aged in their 20s. The recent national campaign encouraging people to talk about their mental health is a step in the right direction in removing the stigma many men have about openly discussing their feelings.

Some 45 child and adolescent mental health teams are in place. The mental health strategy, A Vision for Change, requires the recruitment of 40 additional child adolescent mental health teams. This will be a difficult challenge. I do not want anyone to die on our roads and the Road Safety Authority's current campaign on carnage on our roads is important. However, the number of people who die each year as a result of self-harm is almost as high as the number who die on our roads, yet it generates minimal comment.

Although all urgent cases of depression are seen immediately, the waiting list for treatment remains too long. The young lives of many of those languishing on waiting lists are on hold and in many cases those involved do not share the experiences of their peers, whether in terms of socialising with friends, playing sport after school or generally enjoying their childhood and adolescence. Good work is being carried out by the young social innovators programme on a social awareness education and action programme for 15 to 18 year olds. More than 5,000 people participated in the annual programme, with a showcase event of more than 200 projects, many of which relate to mental health promotion and-or suicide prevention.

The link between physical exercise and good mental health has long been established. It is vital for young people's mental and physical well-being that they have an opportunity to engage in sport and other recreational activities. In this digital age, many young people spend their time texting friends or communicating with others on Bebo, Myspace or other Internet chat rooms. This activity appears to have replaced traditional methods of socialising, such as playing a game of football after school. Last week, PlayStation launched hurling and Gaelic football games. However, like all good Tipperary men, I prefer live action to playing sport on a video game. To this end, we must ensure young people have the resources and facilities they need to play sport. The value and importance of being a member of a club or team cannot be underestimated. It teaches young people responsibility, social skills and the importance of teamwork and fair play, values which cannot be gleaned from PlayStation.

Last July, a youth programme in Fethard in my constituency was discontinued, despite the community having invested a great deal of work in establishing the project, which employed a youth care worker. Unfortunately, as in many other areas, funding for the project was discontinued. Investment in our youth, particularly in programmes of this nature, is vital if we are to keep young people on the right track, show them attractive options and ensure they do not follow the wrong path.

All young people are citizens in their own right and it is vital the Government recognises their concerns and encourages their participation when it implements legislation of concern to young people. Many youth bodies and forums allow young people to become involved in their communities. As the nation's leaders, we should encourage young people to participate in local communities and at national level. We should continue to encourage the use of the National Youth Council of Ireland as a framework for involvement.

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