Young people need to be trusted with more responsibility, according to Mr Seamus McGuire, director of Youth in Need. His organisation has helped 4,000 young people over the last 20 years and he told a gathering in Templemore, Co Tipperary, "their courage, skills, commitment and talents need to be acknowledged and encouraged".
He was speaking at the Celebration of Life humanitarian awards night to honour 19 friends of Youth in Need. They included the former Tanaiste, Mr Dick Spring, former minister, Mr Proinsias De Rossa and Mr Paul O'Shaughnessy, a volunteer for 14 years.