Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Coyle and I will put my next question to her also. Prior to my election to the Dáil I was a primary school teacher. On a typical school day there was a range of school supports for children. There were also outside of school therapeutic supports and supports provided by the National Educational Psychological Service. Throughout the Covid pandemic many of the needs of our young people were not fully met. Teaching was done online and we all got to know about Zoom. We did not know Zoom existed 18 months ago and suddenly the whole of Ireland was using it. Some of the many key therapeutic supports have to happen in person, and I get that, but many could have been offered online. Do we have much catch up to do in this regard?

Will Ms Coyle also weld into her response, if she does not mind, a reply to the following question? In my constituency of Clare I have long had a concern for the rural male farmer. This has been characterised in a number of dramas. Some years ago, RTÉ had a series that portrayed rural isolation and the depression it can lead to. There is a huge campaign about testicular cancer, prostate cancer and male health. The reality is that in many Irish villages we still have rural isolated bachelor farmers. I do not believe their needs are being adequately spoken about. The rural pub was a release for many of them and it has not been there for the past 18 months. They have become more withdrawn as a group. If Ms Coyle would respond to these questions I would hugely appreciate it.