Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know Hugh gave his opinion on the 2013 action plan on bullying and how that needs to be updated. I raised the following issue with the Department of Education today, and it was also raised at today's meeting. Witnesses looked for the provision of emotional and therapeutic supports and someone who the students can trust and go to in the schools. The principal of a school is very busy. He or she may have a large school to run and there are additional pressures added in recent years. Teachers do not have the time to do this as they are involved in the academic education of all the pupils. We are suggesting that emotional and therapeutic support is provided to schools. The role could be similar to a counsellor, but perhaps not as highly qualified. It could be someone who the students can talk to and trust 100%. The service should be discreet. What would Hugh think about that, if it were to be rolled out in schools? As I said to Department officials today, the role does not have to be in every school. It could be shared among schools - one big school and a number of small schools. The person could be in the school at least once or twice a week for pupils to talk to. Pupils should be able to trust the person and it should be done in a discreet manner.