Ms Róisín Webb:

On teacher training, we have made recommendations to the Department around development of teacher training, particularly continuous professional development. In terms of children in care, the Children's Mental Health Coalition is currently conducting research on the mental health needs of children in the care and youth justice system, which is due to be published in May. I do not have specific expertise in terms of access to education for children in care.

On Senator Power's points in regard to implementation of the guidelines, it is crucial that mental health and well-being within schools is dealt with at senior level within the Department of Education and Skills. It is also crucial this is the case within the new directorate of mental health and that a national policy on inter agency work is developed. There must be national coherence even though things differ on the ground locally. Also, the liaison role in terms of implementing the guidelines would be a sensible use of scarce resources.

Just to add, in regard to relevant legislation, the Children First legislation being developed and also the legislation underpinning the new child and family support agency, it is critically important that access to education services and care is debated and that the work is underpinned by a legislative framework.