Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As an east Galway representative, I will speak not just about diverting young people from criminal activity, but about something deeper, that is, how we give young people a life to choose so that they do not fall into crime in the first instance. When we talk about prevention, we must talk about access to services, safe spaces and support systems. Young people need somewhere to go, something to do and someone to listen. Most young people need to be understood. A simple sports club, a youth café, a creative project and a space where they can simply speak and be heard are not luxuries, but essentials. In far too many areas, including parts of my own constituency, these options are very limited or non-existent. The evidence is clear, however. When we invest in community-based outlets, youth engagement and local leadership and support, we give young people real alternatives. We give them self-esteem, structure and connection. We need to stop treating youth justice as a crisis response system and start treating it as a chance to build up rather than clean up.

Alongside local supports, we need to recognise the growing influence of social media on our young people's lives. Today's teenagers are growing up in a world where much of their identity, self-worth and connection is shaped online. Social media can be a force for creativity and belonging but it can also fuel anxiety, impulsive behaviour, peer pressure and isolation. Platforms designed for instant gratification and public validation can distort a young person, which can lead to risky and harmful behaviour. That is why any serious prevention strategy must now include digital education and media literacy, teaching young people how to think critically, navigate safely and value themselves beyond likes, trends and viral challenges.

Let me be clear, in that the most sustainable and effective model is a preventative one. If we act early in schools, communities and families, we will reduce the need for intervention later. It is not just about better outcomes socially; it is a smarter use of our resources. It costs far less to support a young person through education, mentorship and youth services than to deal with the consequences of crime, trauma and incarceration down the line. However, when we look at the national picture and at east Galway in particular, there are gaps in services.

Galway East is a large and geographically spread constituency with growing towns and rural areas facing some of the same pressures as urban centres. I refer to social isolation, economic challenges and digital vulnerability. In communities like Athenry, Loughrea, Gort and Mountbellew, young people face tough choices and tough environments. If we are serious about prevention, we need to provide these communities with the same level of support that is being made available elsewhere. We simply cannot have an eircode lottery when it comes to giving young people a second chance or a first opportunity.

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