Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I did not intend to speak in this debate, even though it is very important. There were, however, so many people calling for statements on youth affairs that I am sad to see for the first time this term the Opposition benches empty and only two Opposition speakers in the debate. Those people should consider their positions. Why did they seek this debate every morning? The Minister of State came here with her officials but they do not see fit to turn up.

I compliment the Minister of State on her work in the Department of Education and Science. She is sincere in her efforts, as I know from her speech on youth organisations. There will be expenditure of over €47 million on these organisations in 2006, an increase of 15%. That increase is a testament to the Minister of State.

The facilities for young people at risk and those who work with them to ensure they escape that situation, are very important. The VECs do vital work, with representatives in every town and village getting to the core of youth problems. The national youth plan will provide grant aid for 32 existing projects and 13 new projects and I hope the media will highlight that fact.

I have been involved with young people in the GAA, having trained numerous minor hurling teams, three of which won all-Ireland championships, and I recognise the importance of monitoring those who are involved with young people. The Minister of State is well aware of and is addressing that issue.

I compliment organisations such as Foróige, Scouting Ireland and the Catholic Youth Council, which the Minister of State mentioned, and the developments North and South. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of volunteering, particularly in youth organisations, and we must compliment people who work in a voluntary capacity. Grants are not everything. Many people are involved in organisations such as the GAA, the FAI, the IRFU and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, of which Senator Ó Murchú is a prominent member. We must recognise the contribution of young people involved in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to song and dance. Senator Ó Murchú did not mention this but I would like to do so.

Senator Tuffy contributed earlier and I was delighted to see a group of young people in the Visitors Gallery yesterday wearing tracksuits with the words "Lucan Sarsfield GAA" on them. They were accompanied by parents or volunteers. Those young people participate in camogie, Gaelic games, etc., in that club.

It is important that there are playgrounds in every town and village. We also talk about obesity yet we should get young people involved in activities at an early age. Large halls and gyms are attached to schools in many towns but they are locked up every evening at 5 p.m. We must make them available to young people in towns and villages to give them the opportunity to participate.