Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

There were four questions. First, Deputy Richmond made the case. It backs up what was said earlier around trying to understand the problems in our towns and cities, including anti-social behaviour and our youth, and trying to intervene early. As I understand it, the fund he mentioned would be directed towards that approach and that would seem to make the case for that. I cannot commit to what will be in the budget but he Deputy made the case well.

With regard to Deputy Ryan, I am not sure if she was able to attend the meeting of Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science this morning. The Deputy may not be a member of the committee but there is always the possibility of joining in at the end. However, I will pass her specific details on to the Minister for Education. I am sure those details will join a list from many other Deputies here but it is important to have the specifics.

With regard to Deputy Bruton, what has been uncovered, it would appear, in those graves where there seems to have been real questions of international crimes against humanity makes the case for international law courts. In a sense, we as a country, coming from the neutral position, as I stated earlier, have a particular role and responsibility to stand up for those international institutions. It is through those mechanisms in Geneva, which have the first call that we should add our voices to the international court mechanisms to condemn and to convict where the evidence can be developed. I believe that is the most important response.

Finally, in response to Deputy Ó Murchú, I do not have the specifics regarding how we might revise or look at the drug payments scheme, but certainly will pass on the suggestion he made to the relevant Minister.

See this speech in context