Madam, - What an absolute load of tripe it is for teenagers surveyed on behalf of the Minister for Children (March 20th) to say that because they have "nowhere to go" they end up "getting into trouble for causing harm".
Can I just remind these young people and their parents that many have never had it so good and yet there is this pathetic excuse of using "boredom" as a reason to be anti-social and generally act obnoxiously in public. Whatever happened to any of the following activities to entertain oneself (and before anyone wonders, I was a teenager not that long ago myself and know how hard it can be): free internet access in the library; watching TV at home; reading; listening to music; playing music; playing cards for small bets; strolling around the shops (and there are plenty); going to museums, art galleries, availing of various free concerts/gigs regularly held around Ireland or simply staying at home and relaxing?
I simply cannot identify with such a lazy excuse - when I was growing up, I too had "nothing to do", but I made my own fun and stayed away from trouble. It's a pathetic excuse and one that nobody should tolerate as acceptable. In case the teenagers of today forget, we know what it is like and being bored is simply not a good enough excuse to behave badly. It's just a cop-out. - Yours, etc,
DEBORAH BRANNELLY, Lucan, Co Dublin.
Madam, - I was very interested in your article (March 20th) about the lack of facilities for teenagers. Anybody living in any community in Ireland over the past 20 years has experienced the problems that the lack of a social outlet can bring about.
The private sector will never solve this problem, as there is no money in entertaining teenagers.
Teenagers are not asking for a lot, only a few couches and a place to have a chat, to do their own thing without adults looking over their shoulder.
You can't put a price on the peace of mind parents would get knowing their kids are in a safe environment rather than on the streets.
But let's ask the thorny question, will it cost a lot to provide the facilities? Less than you'd think.
There are a great deal of properties owned by the State, the GAA and the church which could surely be used to give teenagers a place to chill out in a safe, alcohol-free environment.
A great deal of people, teenagers and adults, would do voluntary work if they saw a clear benefit from it, such as looking after their own community.
Surely parents would be happy to pick up any shortfall in the running costs?
The State too could contribute because it would save on a whole number of levels with reduced crime rates, hospital care etc.
Prevention beats cure. I think it's time the Government left aside vested interests (eg publicans) and supports any community group willing to find their own solution to this problem. Better teenagers lead to better adults. - Is mise le meas,
NIALL McCULLAGH, Glenageary, Co Dublin.