Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all the attendees. It is great to have them here. They have a huge wealth of knowledge.

I have a couple of queries I might pose on some of the submissions. I thank the attendees. Mr. Ryan, from the HSE, referred in his submission to some of the elements in the HSE and community health organisations, CHOs, in respect of local engagement. That was quite important to raise. How do area leads for local engagement link in with third level? I was missing a step concerning local engagement in the community regarding people facing mental health issues. Do they link in at third level?

My next question is for Dr. Duffy, from Jigsaw. I come from Ballinasloe and represent east Galway and Roscommon. Last Saturday an amazing event was held at the GAA club in Caltra, working with Jigsaw, other sports clubs, including the athletic club at the ladies' club. It was a wonderful initiative. The organisers brought together local or national sports celebrities, such as Michael Meehan, whose family did so much for Galway football, in addition to referees and commentators. There was also a comedian, Sir Stevo Timothy, also known as "Farmer Michael". They spoke to local families and children about the pressures on young people. It was an amazing initiative in a rural area, bringing all the groups together to say the issue is huge for us right now. I pay tribute to those concerned and acknowledge what Jigsaw does at local level. Jigsaw's local group supported the initiative to which I have referred.

Inequity of access was mentioned. It is important to address this at second level in addition to third level, but it is at second level that we make a difference. There was recently an allocation through DEIS funding whereby more than 240,000 students can now access DEIS supports. This means smaller class sizes and additional access to mental health supports within the school. That is what we need to move towards. We need to be providing additional supports at school level. While we can talk about Student Universal Support Ireland, regarding which there is a review involving the Minister, Deputy Harris, the rolling out of DEIS supports at both primary and secondary levels is crucial.The delegates might have some comments on it.What other supports can be considered at secondary school level to prepare our children because dropping out is a huge issue at third level?

Ms Murphy, with her background in psychotherapy and who is representing Trinity College, might answer my next question. Given the drop-out rate in the first year at third level, we need to focus on secondary schools to make sure all the careers guidance teachers have a role. Considering the apprenticeship programme, the additional courses being made available through the CAO and the new report on leaving certificate reform issued by the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, could Ms Murphy comment on the expansion of the transition year? With the broadening of the apprenticeship programme, how can the third level sector work with secondary schools and career guidance teachers on opportunities for those who do not take the traditional route to college and on how they can achieve qualifications? I will leave it at that but I will ask a couple more questions if I have time.