Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, we must wrap up the debate because we must finish by 5.30 p.m. due to Covid restrictions and a ruling made by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I thank all of the witnesses and the members for their participation. I thank the witnesses for coming here today and sharing their insights and expert knowledge on the issue. The discussion has been of enormous assistance to the committee in our examination of this very important issue. The committee is very grateful to all of the witnesses for giving their time and for their dedication and commitment in assisting young people over the past while. Long may they do so.

I commend Mr. Holmes on his eloquent and insightful evidence. The committee is committed to hearing the voices of young people. He is the fourth secondary school student to come before the committee. Very few students had come before the committee prior to this. Young people must be directly involved in all of the policies to combat bullying, build inclusiveness in schools and in our culture, and promote positive mental health. I thank all of the organisations for that work. All of the witnesses have played a very important role in this debate.