Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The setting off of fireworks in and around a home must be terrifying for anyone who has to tolerate the behaviour of those who show scant regard for people and their property. We must go back to the root of problems as it is mainly our youth who involve themselves in these mindless acts. Not all youth are involved in disruptive behaviour, however. This can be seen from the Garda youth awards in west Cork. Year after year, we see great young people win awards for their excellent work in their community, thanks to the encouragement given to them by great community gardaí such as Damian White and Brigid Hartnett. All crime can be nipped in the bud by the deployment of more community gardaí.

Garda stations in every part of Ireland need to be manned, not closed, as was done by previous Governments. Previous Governments saw fit to shut the doors of so many stations in west Cork. This was a terribly bad decision. I commend the people of Ballinspittle who fought the decision. Their station was closed but they won the battle and it was reopened. Many more should have been in the same situation. The local gardaí saw dangers well in advance and talked to young people and their families. In 99% of cases, potential problems were nipped in the bud and sorted. The 1% who fell through the cracks in our community were blessed to have youth centres in west Cork, such as Cara Lodge, which caters for boys who have gone wrong in their lives and need help. I have spoken to users of the lodge, which is located in Ahiohill, Clonakilty. The assistance given to the youth and their families at such a crucial time represented a massive turning point in their lives. Astonishingly, the HSE has now seen fit in the past few weeks to stop funding this vital service. The centre faces closure, with the loss a vital service and 27 jobs. I am told the reason for the closure of the excellent service, which is the only one of its kind in west Cork, is that the HSE wants to change to a new model of care. This may be a good idea but surely the new model of care can be rolled out in Ahiohill in west Cork in the same way that it would be in any other county. I have asked the Minister of State at the Department of Health to intervene. I have asked the Taoiseach, who opened the centre a number of years ago, to intervene, and now I ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to save it for the young people of west Cork who desperately need it and for the truly great staff, who have provided a top-quality service for so many years.

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