David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this important Bill. I am very interested in this subject. In my view, one of the most important Departments is the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in terms of its work and planning into the future in respect of children and young people. It is important that Department is well resourced.

I have listened to most of the debate on this Bill thus far. Many previous speakers spoke about the need for prevention, early intervention and so on. I do not think anyone could disagree with what has been said in this regard. All our youth services, including Youth Work Ireland, Foróige and so on, need to be resourced and beefed up because, as they operate on the front line in this area, they can do a great deal in terms of early intervention to prevent young people getting into a life of crime and so on.

I must also mention an issue with which some of my colleagues may not be in agreement. A 17 year old out of control in a community can make life miserable for everyone, including himself, living in that community. We must not forget the victims of the crimes of young people and how intimidating they can be for citizens, householders and communities. Deputy Finian McGrath, who is no longer in the House, referred to that. The State cannot sit back and allow this type of behaviour to carry on. I accept we need to intervene at an earlier stage and prevent this type of behaviour, if we can. Reference was made to children in detention. Detention should be the last resort and the only alternative at a particular point in time taking into account the safety of citizens and the young people concerned. There is need for balance in this debate.

In 2012, the then Minister for Children and Youth Affairs signed a ministerial order to bring prisons and places of detention within the remit of the Ombudsman for Children, thus enabling him or her to inspect and report on such institutions. The Health Information and Quality Authority and Inspector of Prisons also inspects and reports on these institutions. I accept that there are areas in respect of which we have to do better. That the objective of this legislation is to move in that direction is welcome and positive.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Reilly, is in charge of one of the most important Departments. It is a Department with huge potential for the youth sector. The Youth Work Act was passed in 2001. It has not been developed at all. The National Youth Work Development Plan 2006 has not been developed either. We need to move on these issues.

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