Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister but the reality on the ground is very different from what she has outlined in her reply. I want to focus on the youth clubs and youth projects in the inner city. We know the statistics. There are areas with over 60% of parents being lone parents and pockets with 40% unemployed. We know of the serious misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs and of areas of really serious deprivation. There are areas where there is disposable income for after-school activities but that is not the reality for young people and teenagers in some of these inner city areas.

In July, I attended an event organised by the youth projects, where the young people themselves spoke. There was a great quote from one of the young people: "In an area where young people might not have had many opportunities to achieve and shine, this club celebrates their achievements, holds their proud moments and keeps alive the memory of what they have done and what is yet to be achieved, big or small". They are providing the services for early school leavers, for those in schools, for young parents and particularly for those in crisis situations. The reality is that the cuts have seen programmes having to close, a reduction in contact hours with young people and the loss of innovative programmes, not to mention the 22% salary cut for some of the youth workers. I accept what the Minister is saying but the reality is very different.

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