Mark Duffy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the Cathaoirleach's welcome to James Cafferkey. He is a TUI student in St. Muredach's College and has been a great help to me. Yesterday evening, James attended a launch of the new strategy for the No Name Clubs, which is a youth organisation aimed at youth empowerment across Ireland. It has launched its new strategy that runs until 2029 and it has a great focus on working on building on the work of the No Name Clubs, to improve it, to empower young people and to improve the connectivity and inclusion of young people so they have things to do in their towns and villages. Something I would like to work with the No Name Clubs, James and young people on is to make sure that in areas where there is no availability of No Name Clubs that we work to support those neighbourhoods and communities to have the clubs and activities for young people.

I also highlight the issue of human trafficking. A conference was hosted in Ballina by the Ballina and Castlebar Soroptimist clubs. The conference was introduced by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary, and titled Hidden in Plain Sight. Speakers included representatives from An Garda Síochána and also Ruhama, a charity that does incredible work in this space. The conference aimed to raise awareness.I raise awareness of the work and the plight of those affected by human trafficking, who were promised a better life in European countries. When they arrive, they have their independence, mobile phones and connections with the outside work taken from them. They are told they are in debt. It causes immense suffering and pain for people who were promised a better life and are being taken advantage of. I compliment that conference. It spotlights and highlights a very important topic, which I would like further discussion on in the near future.