Mr. Hugh Ahern:

I may have mentioned it in response to a question from Deputy Conway-Walsh in relation to the buddy system. Funding would need to be increased for activities such as counselling. The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, has provided significant funding for a pilot programme in primary schools but the Department should also consider funding pilot programmes in post-primary schools because the need is greater at post-primary level, to be honest. In post-primary, students have a lot more issues to deal with, including exams and the transition from primary to secondary school and are also more aware of certain topics like money or relationship problems in their families and so on.

They are also more aware of their surroundings and of what is happening in the wider world. Ukraine, for example, is having a massive effect on people, particularly those who are fleeing and arriving in Ireland. Funding needs to be allocated for a pilot programme in secondary schools. Funding should also be allocated to all schools for well-being activities and positive mental health activities. I do not have an exact figure but more funding should be directed towards supports for students. Activities are very important and getting students out of the classroom is also hugely important because it provides them with other areas of learning. When students do mental health activities like yoga, it gives them the opportunity to relieve stress.