Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late but I have just arrived from west Cork. I have a number of questions that may have been asked. One word that always troubles me in this debate is the word "mental" and the association it has. Perhaps that has been addressed but I would be interested in the thoughts of the witnesses. Those working in the education area become terrified when I speak about teachers taking responsibility for, or playing a role in, mental health education. They think they have to have a masters in psychology to deal with these issues whereas we are trying to promote well-being.

I refer to the role of teachers and school staff. Is that the best way to address the issue? What are the thoughts of the delegations about whether mental health education should be integrated into various subjects or taught on its own? I wish them well in their endeavours. Everybody identifies that at the top priority and challenge for the education system. A happy child will learn; an unhappy child will not. It is as simple as that and anything else is subservient to this issue.