HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT is likely to be reflected in rising crime levels and anti-social behaviour. So we can expect the present economic downturn to put increasing pressure on the forces of law and order and lead, in turn, to demands for higher security spending. It would be much more productive, however, for the Government to invest in preventive education, health and social measures within deprived communities.
Already, plans to tackle long-term poverty, discrimination and social inequity are being delayed because of the Government’s fiscal difficulties. That is a mistake. There is convincing evidence to show that social investment, particularly where children-at-risk are concerned, more than pays for itself.
Some 12 districts in the State produce the great bulk of juvenile offenders and prison inmates. The areas are well known. Their inhabitants frequently offer alternative addresses when applying for work. High unemployment in the community, active drug gangs and deprivation are common factors. For decades, the official response was to try and contain the situation, rather than to transform it. More recently, plans were prepared to break this cycle of deprivation in targeted areas through pre-school intervention and follow-up programmes, improve health services, social housing and community facilities. That approach is now in jeopardy.
On a broader canvas, the Children’s Rights Alliance - which represents 80 voluntary organisations – has been extremely critical of the Government for failing to meet its general commitments in area such as early childcare, literacy and mental illness. A report claims that the divisions between rich and poor are deepening, with deprived children bearing the brunt of poor public services and long waiting lists.
Thousands of children are waiting – nearly one quarter of them in excess of a year – for psychiatric assessment. There is an acute shortage of beds for in-patient care, with the result that some children are accommodated in adult psychiatric hospitals. All children should be cherished by the State. But those from deprived areas are in particular need. A recent survey placed Ireland fifth within OECD countries in terms of reading literacy. That is reassuring, so far as it goes. But it should not be used as an excuse to halt the roll-out of early education supports in deprived areas. If the Government is serious about creating a knowledge-based economy and tackling inter-generational deprivation it should establish a new literacy target for all children. That way, everybody would benefit.