Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I heard him make that statement a number of times. I agree with Senator Ó Brolcháin, that there should be no barriers to anyone, including young people, entering the political arena. It should be accessible to people from every background because we need to hear the diverse views of all sectors of society.

I would worry if politics became unattractive. Politicians' reputations have damaged the body politic in recent years. A small minority contributed to the problem. However, I have always admired every politician or candidate who has put his or her name on a public ballot paper and stood before the people. I say this every opportunity I get at a public forum. We need a debate on the future of politics so that it will remain attractive to young people who might wish to enter it. The realisation is beginning to hit home.

Will the Leader arrange for a debate on youth unemployment? Thousands of young people are leaving our shores on an almost daily basis. Many more are sitting at home scratching their heads and wondering what to do. I appreciate that many training courses and agencies are trying to assist such people, but we should consider new and alternative ways of returning young people to the workplace, for example, broadening internship programmes and community employment schemes to increase the flexibility afforded by agencies such as FÁS. We should examine the role of FÁS and how it will assist young people. There is much confusion about to which Department FÁS will be attached. I spoke with FÁS officials who do not know who their direct line Minister will be. This matter must be clarified as soon as possible, as people do not know whether FÁS will be in the Department of Education and Science or Enterprise, Trade and Employment. We must remove the confusion, send a clear message to the country and start using inventive and alternative ways to return young people to employment. Will the Leader consider this matter for a debate?