David Norris (Independent)

The idea of meetings between the family and gardaí and drawing up a good behaviour contract is an excellent, constructive idea. Involving families is the way forward.

A thoughtful speech by Deputy Carey in the Dáil, which I read with real interest, considered the increase in custodial sentences. This has increased from 10% to 20% and, if certain cases are included, 30%. There are some provisions for education but funds are not being allocated. These kids are being set up for failure. The socially constructive work to which the Minister refers should be done and education should be increased. The Central Model School, Marlborough Place, has a wonderful breaking the cycle intervention. Larkin community college teaches virtually all these kids and some continue their education in university. Investment is necessary in this case.

I compliment the Minister for his recent appearance at Outhouse. It was an important, historic situation. A senior Cabinet Minister, half of the head honchos of the Garda Síochána and many members of the media attended. At a time of increasing violence against the gay community, the Garda Síochána reached out to the gay community and issued a leaflet on rights. The Garda Síochána will be available one evening per fortnight to discuss these situations, an initiative that will save lives.

I was sad that the media trivialised the entire launch by focussing on a spurious story about a row between the Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The media was only concerned with this story and interviewed the Minister on the doors of Outhouse. The media displayed a lack of responsibility by covering that silly season story rather than focussing on an issue that would affect the welfare of people in this city.