Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome these statements today on youth diversion. As we know, the programme for Government commits us to investing strongly in preventive measures, including youth justice programmes, while strengthening our laws. We have to commit, and I am committed, to building stronger, safer communities in my constituency, namely Carlow–Kilkenny, and nationally. Diverting vulnerable children away from a life of crime and giving them an opportunity to build a better future themselves is absolutely key to this.

Youth diversion projects intervene and support young people in trouble, which can be the difference between a lifelong career in crime and the pursuit of a better path for the rest one’s life. We owe it to our younger people and communities to make the interventions I describe and support better outcomes for all. Youth justice interventions are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to turn their lives around. My party and I are committed to ensuring children who have become involved in criminality and those at risk of doing so have the tools and supports necessary to make good choices and turn away from offending behaviour.

Diverting people from crime involves a combination of community support, education and intervention programmes. For me, there are a couple of key priorities in this regard, the first of which concerns youth mentorship programmes. We need to establish mentorship initiatives with positive role models. We are very fortunate in Ireland to have many positive role models who can guide our young individuals, helping them to navigate challenges and make better choices. However, in particular we need to focus on our recreational activities. We need to provide access to sports, arts and cultural programmes that engage youth in constructive activities and promote teamwork and leadership skills. As a result, we need to continue to invest in our sports capital grant infrastructure and encourage participation in sport, particularly female participation. There is a huge drop-off rate, particularly among girls at second level. We really need to focus our time and energy on participation in sport and make sure young people have this outlet for themselves.

On education and educational supports, we need to make sure we improve access to quality education and provide tutoring and after-school programmes to students to succeed academically, reducing the likelihood of criminal behaviour. There are now so many courses and options available for students of all ages, whether they go down the apprenticeship route or go to Carlow Institute or College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny. The choice of courses available is endless and we can really steer people on the right path in this regard.

One of the biggest aspects for me concerns community engagement. We need to involve our young people in community service projects, allowing them to contribute positively to their neighbourhoods and develop a sense of belonging. I see this in communities right across Kilkenny and Carlow, including in the likes of Borris, St. Mullins, Ballymurphy, Ballinkillen, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Callan. The participation of young people in the likes of litter-picking is absolutely fantastic. I will give an example. In my town, Graiguenamanagh, there is a fantastic initiative involving transition year students in the local college, Duiske College, and the senior Age Action team. The transition year students teach the older people in the community technology, including smartphones, and the older people in the community teach the young people skills such as knitting and sewing. It is a fantastic partnership. It has been replicated in many of the ETB schools in Carlow–Kilkenny, including in Ballyhale. It is absolutely fantastic.

On mental health services, we need to continue to provide accessible mental health resources and counselling to address underlying issues, such as trauma, anxiety and depression, which can also contribute to criminal behaviour.

By implementing these measures, communities right across Carlow–Kilkenny and nationally can create an environment that encourages positive development and reduces the risk of youth engaging in criminal activities.

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