Seanad debates

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Children (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to fight with the Senator. The Government has shown considerable commitment by finding €56 million needed to address this issue in the teeth of the worst recession this country has ever experienced.

This is the first time that a full Minister has been appointed with responsibility for children. Our children are our future but, as I am constantly reminded, our children are also our present. We want to make sure that present becomes a cherished memory of childhood happiness rather than sadness, which has been all too common in the past. I agree with everybody who said that detention should be a last resort and I share the concern that on occasion it is not treated as such. This is not due to malign intentions but because of a misdirected sense of protecting the child. I take on board the points made by Senator Burke in regard to increasing the resources available to head off trouble at an early stage. Much of this work is being done through youth outreach services, including youth cafés and youth clubs, which offer a safe place in which young people can socialise and come to terms with who they are as they grow up. The teenage years are a difficult period of life. I thank Senators for their contributions and I look forward to examining the issues raised on Committee Stage.

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