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

When we talk about young people and anti-social behaviour, we must examine the inter-agency approach needed. I am thinking of my background in youth services. When I consider youth services in the north inner city, I note the excellent work they are doing with challenging youth through youth clubs, youth projects, Garda diversion projects and the JLO system. This is at the preventive stage and we are looking way down the line. Again, we do not pay enough heed to preventive measures. Some of the issues about which we are talking might not need to be talked about if more emphasis was placed on preventive measures. I hope Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, as Minister of State responsible for housing, can urge the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to ensure no further cuts to the services that are preventing young people from engaging in anti-social behaviour or that catch youths at a stage when they can be drawn back.

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