Dr. Joseph Duffy:

I will refer to the question on second level. Transitions are particularly important, particularly in respect of youth mental health. We are aware that the transition from primary school to secondary school is a key stressor for young people. The same is the case with the transition from secondary school to third level, if that occurs.

One of the points I was making in my opening statement was on the importance of including well-being in the curricula.

It is hugely important to do that within the second level system in order to enable and support young people who can have the skills, the wherewithal and the confidence to apply for third level. That is a really big issue. When one reads some of the reports and research that has been done, they looked at those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Their experience was that they were relying on a teacher or a career guidance counsellor, or somebody else, to help them to think about their career choices. How do we ensure that the have the competence to do that? My main point would be to think about not just the funding of higher education separately, it is also about thinking about the supports at second level. Once they funnel in the supports, early intervention and prevention are key.