Minister Lenihan's proposals

Newsbyte: Kudos to Brian Lenihan for planning development of a National Recreation Policy.

Under the plan, money will be given to amongst others, youth clubs and sports facilities. This will not only make it easier for those who provide such services, but also make it easier for young people to meet up with friends in an atmosphere that isn't saturated by alcohol and drugs.

I say fair play to the Government for having the foresight and common sense to introduce positive legislation. Except...

Despite all this great news, on the 9th August, Brian Lenihan made a typically political statement (in other words, vague as hell) regarding the future of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, which suggests that they are indeed part of the Government's plan.

Oh dear. Just when I thought the Government were making a positive step to improve the lives of young people and indeed the community in general, and they have to bring ASBO's back in the picture.

The fact of the matter is this proposed national recreation policy is an excellent first step in enriching young people's lives everywhere, but it simply won't work if you espouse it with daft pieces of legislation that can mean young people as young as 10 reprimanded for such awful crimes as sarcasm...

Come on lads, do yourselves a favour and quietly forget the ASBO's issue! You're onto a winner with the National Recreation Policy: don't ruin it!

By: Patrick Duffy

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