Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I am sure he would state that it has taken far too long for his recommendation to be implemented, nevertheless, as Senator Quinn noted, we should take this opportunity to send him birthday greetings for his 99th birthday tomorrow and to thank him for his considerable service to the State. A number of other people were mentioned here today, including the late Dr. Paul O'Mahony, who had a huge interest in how children and young people are treated when they come to the attention of the law. He did really sterling work and influenced many of the policies that have been developed by the highly progressive Probation Service.

I agree with Senators across the Chamber who stated that this type of detention should be a last resort. For the most part, when young people who are 17 or 18 years old get into trouble, local services should be able to work with them and, one hopes, keep them out of detention. Unfortunately, however, there always will be a need for some places because we have serious and serial violent offenders, and detention unfortunately is the only place for the vast majority of those offenders. However, the Government must continue to invest to make sure people are given every opportunity to have that second or third chance, or whatever it might be. I, again, thank all Senators for their support for the Bill.