Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have read the witnesses' opening statements and very much appreciate them coming in. I have just come from a meeting of the climate committee at which we discussed education in the context of climate. There is a sense of desperation among young people when it comes to their future in that regard. One thing that was raised from a sociology of education point of view is that the facts do not really change people's behaviour. What we often encounter at this committee is a desire to add more to a curriculum. We are getting further away from the underlying wellness of students; we are actually causing them anxiety. The facts do not stick but what sticks is giving people a sense of confidence and self.

I hope that is what will come out of some of our reports.

I want to speak briefly about the programmes. Mr. Gilligan mentioned the inspirational programme in Moyross, but there are others around the country as well. I think the ones that are successful are those that are very much peer-led or have a heavy peer influence included. When I say that, I refer to programmes in which Travellers are involved rather than something coming from outside. Ms Lynch mentioned direct provision. There is a sense that we have to make sure that people who understand their own culture are those who, first and foremost, are delivering the programmes or working with people. I would love to know Ms Lynch's thoughts on that. How successful is a programme that is delivered in this way, versus a programme that does things to people or informs people?

I certainly take on board Senator Flynn's point that not every family is the same. When people have a family with one or two parents or a guardian, there is often a sense of despair because of the separation between home and school. Even in the best schools I see, there is still this separation because young people are moving out from their families. Is there more we can do to make sure parents feel included in the process around their children's mental health so that they can support it at home?

Lastly, I will talk about self-harm. We heard previously - maybe two weeks ago - how self-harm does not give young people priority status when it comes to some of the supports provided through child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. That is because of the high instance of self-harm in Ireland. It cannot be seen as a priority because the services are simply not there. From his clinical understanding, why does Mr. Gilligan think there is such a high level of self-harm now? Is that something to do with the experience of young people at the moment?