Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In terms of mental health and well-being, are there any proposals to incorporate well-being into the senior cycle as an integrated part of it? Could well-being assignments be incorporated into the final results so that it encourages students to engage fully? Since I became Chairman of this committee, we have dealt with the effects of Covid and bullying in school. I have listened to all of the witnesses who have come before us. It is about giving the student the confidence to come forward. I believe this is something we could work at. I know Ms Tansey spoke about what is happening regarding counselling in schools. I have a significant issue with it. One proposal that was made was having emotion counsellors in school. I ask that the Minister and the Department consider this. Deputy Ó Riórdáin said something a number of weeks ago. I hesitate to paraphrase what he said because I will definitely get it wrong. He said fifth and sixth year is probably one of the most difficult times in any student's life, specifically sixth year. It involves the worry over the leaving certificate and the stress it causes. Could somebody comment on that?