Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo what has been said. The significance of this amendment goes back to engagement we had at the Joint Committee on Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht during pre-legislative scrutiny.One of the most impressive engagements we had was when representatives from schools in Dublin and Cork came before the joint committee to address their concerns to us. Their biggest concern was that we, as legislators, did not get what was required in a sphere that was predominantly dominated by their age groups and that we were dictating to them what was best for them to keep them safe. It was an education in itself to hear from them. They recognised the Government was trying to do something positive not only for them but for all people. One of their first points of contact when dealing with such an issue would be with the teachers in the school system and they were concerned teachers were not adept at dealing with the issues at play. That was highly informative. We nearly need to educate teachers about the pressures, dangers and aspects impacting on young people across a range of different areas.

That was replicated in a different discussion when we had a conversation about identity theft that resulted in sexually explicit material being used. When the person concerned went to the Garda as their first point of contact, the gardaí were not adept at dealing with the issues at play. There were a range of areas where those who were the first points of contacts for people were not au faitwith what was being dealt with. We have gained insight through engaging with young people. This amendment seeks to ensure that by having representatives of young people on the panel, it would be kept apprised of those issues as they evolve.