Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his attendance. I wish him all the best in his new role. I know how committed he is to it. His very good opening statement addressed the importance of working together.

The report of the committee addressed well-being and mental health and a significant amount of work was done by its members in that regard. A primary school in Moyross, County Limerick, was one of the first primary schools in the country to bring well-being and mindfulness into the classroom. It set an example in that regard and was covered on RTÉ and the Six One News, etc. Such work should begin at a very young age because when one is happy at a younger age it continues through one's education and stays with the child for the rest of his or her days.

There are many recommendations in the report and I am sure the Minister has not had time to digest them all. The most important aspects are inclusiveness and working together. Most schools now have policies on bullying, well-being and mindfulness and send teachers on related training courses, but it is important that it be right across the board in terms of students also. Students in some areas may not have access to a psychologist, which is a very important service to address issues which may arise. Career guidance teachers are often trained in different spheres and it is very important to have such training in place for all teachers in order that they be able to break down barriers, speak to their students and deal with the issues of the day.

I welcome the commitment of the Minister to engage and work with the committee on an ongoing basis.