Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and thank him for his contribution, as I thank Senator Power.

During my two years in Seanad Éireann I have learned that Senator Power has the good of the people at heart and will work with the Government when it is appropriate and correct to do so. Many of her colleagues in this House share that ethos; she certainly does.

The Minister has diligently taken on the issue, set up a task force and made recommendations. There is also a clear and distinct timeframe, which is extremely important. Too often we have seen, over the years, proposals, recommendations and reports launched but no timeframe. In this instance a clear timeframe has been provided.

We are dealing with an absolutely awful development. Bullying has taken place in schools for many years. It has existed for as long as children have been educated. Now there is a different style and facet to bullying due to the use of modern technology. I have no doubt that in 20 or 30 years' time that there will be new ways to bully.