Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We visited Oberstown recently and when we look at how much it costs to keep a child in detention, over €300,000 per year, or at the €150,000 per year it costs to keep a child in residential care, it is clear that not only is investment in prevention and early intervention in the best interest of the child, but it is in the best interest of the taxpayer.

We are all acutely aware of, and agreed on, the importance of early intervention in terms of how it shapes a child's life and development. However, people are concerned about the Minister's and the Government's commitment towards maintaining critical investment in this area into the future. This is the reason the group Hands Up for Children has formed. Its aim is to ensure there is a universal response on early intervention. In some instances, there is a need for additional resources and targeted initiatives. The ABC programme has proved very effective and I would like a clear commitment that it will be continued in the future.

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