Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. I am pleased the motion was tabled at this particular time in light of what has happened in recent days and weeks. It is important that we talk about juvenile crime because if we do not curb it now the next generation of gangs will emerge on our streets.

I wish to deal with the amendment to the motion. I agree with the Minister of State that work still remains to be done but some parts of the programme have been implemented. The co-ordination aspect of this work is currently in train. The Minister of State referred to the youth justice system and the rehabilitation of young offenders. We must also take into account the protection of the community, which is an important aspect of the matter. The Minister of State has referred to this issue which is one to which we will return in future.

The role of the Garda is central in dealing with young offenders. I agree with some of the points made by the Labour Party. The Minister of State has also reciprocated on those issues. We must examine why the fabric of society is breaking down. A problem exists in that marriages and families are breaking down and there are no supports for young children or families. In some respects, people have too much money. People from both ends of the social spectrum are involved in juvenile crime.

Parental control and responsibility are central to this issue. We could throw all the money we like at it but we must get the fundamental issues right.