Last week, I had the privilege of leading a delegation from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Drugs Use to a conference in Reykjavík, Iceland, that was organised by Planet Youth. At the conference, we heard from dozens of expert speakers, policymakers and practitioners from more than 20 countries on five continents. The theme of the conference was building sustainable communities and using prevention to protect young people and ensure they reach their full potential. It was held in Iceland, which, back in the 1990s, had among the highest substance abuse rates among adolescents. Today, it ranks among the lowest in Europe. It achieved this by developing what is called the Icelandic prevention model, which is based on real-time data, strong parental engagement and investment in youth services, but most importantly, a shared social commitment that childhood is worth protecting.

Prevention does work, as has been proven in Iceland and other communities, if it is early, sustained, evidence-led and rooted in communities. We need to recognise in Ireland that we have some real red flags. It is not just about alcohol and weed anymore. When we look at what is going on with our young people, there are issues around vaping, nitrous oxide, digital exposure, porn, gambling, excessive screen time and sleep deprivation. Youth mental health in Ireland ranks quite low. One in three 15-year-olds in Ireland reports low life satisfaction, and youth suicide in Ireland is among the highest. We have a lot of red flags.

We have also done a lot of great work. I have been involved in youth services for almost 20 years as the founding director of a youth service and a justice diversion programme. Prevention does work. I believe we need the Minister of State with responsibility for young people and education to come to the House. This is not just a drugs issue; this is a public health and a child protection issue. We need the Government to respond to that, to support teachers, youth workers, parents and communities and to provide them with the tools to ensure that every young person reaches their full potential and lives a healthy life.