Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak. I am not sure the motion does anything other than put on record a series of statements as to our aspirations in this area. That may be a good thing in some ways but it does not go far enough. I support the amendment put down by Deputy Alan Shatter of Fine Gael.

I wish to discuss what is really happening with regard to young people nowadays. How many challenges face them in the high street on a daily basis? For example, there is the threat and challenge of alternative activities, including the use of drugs, to which reference was made by other speakers. The problem is that if a young person has nothing else to do and no place to go, he or she will automatically be propelled into the areas where the drug vultures operate. It is a multi-million euro business. These people are living onshore and offshore, constantly promoting their goods and wares. They sell to vulnerable people and have operatives well placed in the community to press their case effectively.

Society must compete. It must provide alternatives for young people to move towards, which they will. Cynics will suggest that if facilities were available, young people would not use them. That is not an excuse. If facilities are not available, we cannot blame young people for not using them. Having been young once myself——

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