Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne.

In conclusion, I ask both organisations, the primary principals and the secondary school principals, to go back to their respective principals to say well done, and I know I speak for every member of the committee. It has been a difficult number of months since September of 2020 or, even, since March of last year, during Covid-19. They did a fantastic job in getting our schools reopened back in September and continuing right through, although there was a blip in January. Well done to all the school principals for their work and dedication on that.

We mentioned the school meals programme and we wrote to the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley. We are yet to get a response with her considered views on the roll out of school meals for national schools. With the agreement of members, I will ask the clerk to the committee to write to the Minister again looking for a reply.

Ms O'Connor spoke about Webwise. Ben Holmes, another Wexford man from FCJ Secondary School Bunclody, represented the youth advisory panel of Webwise at the committee. It was very informative on the work it has done. Being a Wexford man, I compliment Ms O’Connor on the fantastic school she runs down in Ramsgrange. She represents the most south-easterly point of County Wexford.

I no doubt speak on behalf of Senator Byrne as well regarding what I have said about Ms O'Connor and all her staff.

Again, I thank Mr. White, Ms O'Connor and Mr. Irwin for attending today's meeting. The committee has had many meetings but this has been one of the most informative it has had over recent months, specifically on school bullying and the module we are working on. The witnesses have represented all their schools very well today and I thank them for that.