Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Given that much discussion has taken place on the provision of sports facilities it would be remiss of me not to congratulate the Ceann Comhairle on what he did for young people across the country in his time as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.

This debate can lead on to a huge range of issues for young people. However, there are three or four specific issues with which I wish to deal. Clubs and organisations throughout the country have done much voluntary work to provide facilities for young people. Having been at the coalface for the past ten years in trying to ensure funding was delivered to these clubs and organisations I have seen a huge amount of work being done on a voluntary basis. I pay tribute to them and thank them for the time and effort they have put in to running youth facilities, clubs and organisations on behalf of various bodies.

The issue of suicide particularly among young people is major. We all know people and families who have been affected by suicide and its aftermath. The devastation affects not only for the families but the wider community and friends. There are many "what ifs" in its wake. I have been speaking with people who have been directly affected and it has a huge and devastating effect. Much good work is being done on suicide prevention and the rationale and understanding of the whole issue. I encourage the Government and the Minister of State, Deputy Devins, to ensure funding is made available from his Department because it is a serious issue. There should be a wider debate across the country on the issue of suicide.

Many speakers have mentioned the participation of young people in schools. There is much emphasis in favour of sport and sporting recreation within schools but sport also encourages young people to participate in society. On any occasion we discussed CSP classes, I have noted that the most important aim is to get young people to understand their society. They should become involved and try to effect change, and take ownership of their community or neighbourhood. It is only by beginning this framework in schools that progress will be made.

I wish to refer to the issue of young people with disabilities. Organisations such as St. Joseph's Foundation in Charleville do excellent work for people with intellectual disabilities. Those who work in such organisations should be commended in this House and elsewhere and we should support them in any way we can.

Many Members referred to the difficulty in getting youth clubs off the ground in communities. In the main, a committee will establish a youth club but it will then fall by the wayside. It is an ongoing and difficult process to ensure these youth clubs continue in operation in both rural and urban areas.

In the short time available to me, it is difficult to deal with all the areas I want to. The issue of suicide, facilities for young people and issues arising for people with physical and intellectual disabilities should be considered.

See this speech in context