Mr. Hugh Ahern:

In regard to encouraging businesses to take on apprentices, perhaps a grant or tax incentive could be given to businesses that take them on.

I touched on the issue of counselling in regard to school bullying. The officials of the Department of Education mentioned a leaflet. I spoke to a couple of people to ask about that leaflet and I have a feeling it never reached certain schools. It is the first time I have heard of the leaflet.

In regard to counselling services, I was involved with the youth advisory panel of Turn2me, which put quite a lot into a youth service. I believe the Department and the health service should look at a school service for students. The Department officials stated in the report that it is a HSE matter but I would see it as more of a Department of Education matter. Student welfare has been a topic of concern in recent years and new policies have been brought out on student welfare. I believe the Department should have greater concern in regard to student counselling. If the committee can get a copy of the leaflet for me, I would appreciate it.