Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was going to ask a question similar to that of Deputy Nolan. We have NEPS but do not really have clinical or therapeutic psychology within the education system in general. Could that be examined? There is obviously considerable reliance on charities and other external services and the general health services. That could be examined. A point in Mr. Paul King's presentation that struck me concerned curriculum time. It is always the problem when one mentions any subject or issue. It is always said there is not enough time. Someone told me, "Get rid of Irish and religion and there is time for everything". I do not know how time can be made available. Theatre is Mr. Hussey's area. There are other areas of interest that people could focus on. Perhaps we should be considering this in a more formal informal way, if one knows what I mean, outside the school system so there would be some structures so children could be directed to practices they would like to engage in. For many, it might be theatre. Parents always tell Members there is nothing for children to do in their area but when one drills down, there tends to be many things. Perhaps, however, there should be some way of connecting with the schools to direct parents to where organisations are in their area. Crooked House is presumably very well known but there are other bodies doing similar, although perhaps less structured, work of which parents simply might not be aware. Mr. Hussey's suggestion on the points system - I am not saying I am going to endorse it immediately - is very interesting. I refer to extracurricular activities or the type of outside-the-school event that could relieve some of the pressure on the timetable. It does not have to be held in a formal way.

I thank the delegates. This is an issue I have been exploring as education spokesman. I admit that every time I meet our student groups within the party, they always ask about youth mental health, mental health in schools and the education system.

The political system has to provide the answers younger people are demanding from us as well as our peers.