Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two more questions, on which I ask Mr. Loftus to get back to the clerk. First, as part of our work in the committee, we make key recommendations on making mental health supports and therapeutic counselling services available on site. As Mr. Loftus is aware, this is an issue the Minister has spoken about for some time. It will require additional spaces in schools to which students can go to talk privately and confidentially. What planning is going on within the Department to make sure there are facilities for such services to be rolled out?

Second is another issue that is relevant to the committee's work and recommendations. What plans does the building unit have for library rooms in all new-build schools at primary and post-primary level? We have spoken here about the importance of library facilities and everything like that as part of mental health supports provision. It is a key recommendation in one of our reports, which is being looked at by another section of the Department. I would appreciate if Mr. Loftus would get back to the clerk with replies on those two points.

Deputy Gould wants to come in now. We are here since 11 a.m. and would normally finish by 1.30 p.m. If the Deputy asks his question, I will make sure he gets a reply through the clerk.