I associate myself with the comments of Deputy Ward. I raised the same matter on the floor last week. I hope we can get a common-sense solution. I pay tribute to uniformed organisations that work with young people in Ireland, including Scouting Ireland and the girl guides across the country. I congratulate the conNÈCKt team from Lucan Girl Guides on their victory at the first Lego league national final this week. They won the best team placard award. This victory and the work of these organisations, as I know from my experience in my constituency in Lucan, Clondalkin, Neilstown and Rathcoole, showcase the best in youth innovation and show the value of the non-formal education, leadership skills and resilience which they provide. I know that Scouting Ireland has been on a journey to ensure it is a safe organisation for young people. It became one of the first scouting organisations in the world to be awarded the global Safe from Harm standard. This afternoon, will the Tánaiste join me in ensuring that organisations such as Scouting Ireland and the girl guides are supported and engaged with appropriately by the State to ensure they can avail of funds, such as the community centre investment fund that was announced this morning, in recognition of the value of the non-formal education and resilience they provide for young people? We want that to be recognised by the State in its engagement with them.

Sentiment score: 0.47