Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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I refer to Ms McAlea. For the past 15 years, I have seen pilot programmes rolled out, some of which work and are very effective, but they do not get the support from the Government or the funding, and it is literally a waste of time. The pilot projects we are seeing today work. What is unique for me is that this is the first time I have heard that young people, such as those from ethnic minority groups, including refugees, Travellers, and people with disabilities, are being met at home. A person's house, caravan and the living accommodation can impact on a his or her whole life. I know that from Labre Park. I know many people are homeless and living in hotels in Dublin. We very rarely meet children where they are at, be it in primary or secondary school, or are culturally appropriate. There is many a young child I know who has to be in his or her buggy all day because the space is not there for playtime. This is daunting and stressful for parents and this can carry on to the child. I really get it.

Today gives me hope. We have a pilot project that is working, so we have to look at rolling it out to every school in the country. I would advocate that we should have a counselling service in every primary and secondary school, because there is so much pressure put on young people today. It is a completely different world to how it was ten years ago. There are issues with addiction in families and with accommodation. I would love to hear more and meet up with our guests in the future to discuss how can we make sure it is not just a pilot project that ends in the coming year or two, but is a project that is kept going.

I refer to representatives of the National Parents Council Primary. Reaching out to parents was raised earlier. Does that include people from non-English speaking backgrounds and people from ethnic minority groups?

It is always the children who get left behind and that is my main concern. Was it a full school community event even though it was online? Was there participation by the others in the school as well?