Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the discussion paper that was published at the one-day conference on youth justice held in Croke Park. I have already suggested that the diversion programmes should be for young people up to the age of 25. The idea behind that is to divert those who have committed minor offences - and I stress minor offences; it has to be stressed - from the judicial system. Their rehabilitation should be able to take place within their communities. I have often spoken in this Chamber about how we can best resource our communities. One of the best ways we can do so is to stop young people reoffending. That would have a big economic and social impact on our communities.

The Minister of State mentioned the report. When will the results of the report be published? When will the Opposition get insight into what recommendations are in the report?

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