Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I would welcome a back-up service in this regard. Teachers are aware of absenteeism and who is not contributing to the class, which are indicators that a problem may exist. It is important that we would get the infrastructure right in regard to education, social welfare, the probation service and the community at large. A multi-agency approach is required. I am not convinced that co-ordination is adequate between Departments. There are many loose connections. When one contacts one area, one often finds the other area knows nothing about it. The Minister of State has introduced a one-stop-shop with the National Children's Office and I look forward to its work coming fully on-stream.

It is important to direct the operation of the Children's Court in a sensitive manner. Judges may need to be retrained to deal with certain situations. The focus should also be on parents and teachers and how best we can rehabilitate young people. That is the way forward. Schools can play a big part in rehabilitation in terms of improving sporting activities. The Cathaoirleach will be delighted to hear me compliment GAA clubs which do much important work in getting young children and their parents involved in sport. That is another way forward. At the end of the day if we do not have parents and the wider community working together on this issue we will not get anywhere. The project in Nenagh is a prime example of what works and I look forward to this being repeated elsewhere.