Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

When I read this Private Members' motion, I was genuinely taken aback by elements of it. I am flabbergasted that it was put forward in its current format and even more flabbergasted that the Government is going to support it. It looks like a group of people who hate young people got together to blame them for all the antisocial behaviour and crime that happens in this country. I have worked with children and young people since 1998 in many different roles. I was a youth worker and was also a researcher in this area, and I have to say my expertise is high. I just wish that the people who drafted this motion had actually consulted experts – not me but others – who had talked to youth workers and indeed young people, or even visited a youth service or Garda youth diversion project.

The temporary removal of personal items such as PlayStations, Xboxes and smartphones for consistent reported antisocial behaviour is proposed. Is it a nanny state that is wanted? In what country has this been suggested? In what country has this worked? It is ignorant and patronising, and it is also paternalistic.

With regard to restorative justice, the associated line in the motion makes me think its supporters have no idea what it actually means. If you want to pay back any damages, that is not how you start with restorative justice. It is about the victim, the offender and the community. Research has just come out stating a ban on social media for under-16s is not the way forward. Other Deputies have talked about algorithms and making social media companies accountable.

I am not saying that parents, young people and all those things do not have to be taken into consideration. I am not saying there is not antisocial behaviour. I am saying this Private Members' motion does not address it fully.

It is great to see that better school attendance monitoring is referenced in the motion but a sentence is not a solution. I have worked in this area for a long time and would love to know what the solution is. I am happy to see that an increase in Garda youth diversion funding is mentioned. I would welcome that.

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