Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 10 April 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills

Key Issues for the Department of Education: Minister for Education

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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That is perfect. The Minister mentioned 650 schools on the pilot scheme for the well-being programme. I think she said 650 but I am not sure. She referred to the new well-being programme involving counselling supports in primary schools. Does the Minister have any plans to have equal supports in post-primary schools? This forms part of our work in the committee. It was a recommendation in some of our reports regarding the roll-out of well-being programmes. I know that significant work has already been done by the Department. Will the Minister give an update on that?

I have a question about the establishment of a link between the Department of Education and the Department of Health, the HSE and CAMHS regarding the provision of mental health supports in schools. I spoke about this the last time the Minister was in. I mentioned the establishment of a high-level working group or task force to resolve some of the issues. I know there can be teething issues when bringing the Department of Education, the HSE, the Department of Health, CAMHS and different teams together. It throws up many issues and problems. I mentioned here that a high-level working group or task force might resolve some of the outstanding issues in that regard.