Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

The number of speech and language training places has increased significantly in recent years. The first cohort from the new MA programme in the University of Limerick graduated in 2005, while the first students on the new BA degree programmes in UCC and NUIG graduated this year.

I wish to address the tragedy of youth suicide, an issue raised by several Deputies. While a clinical diagnosis of mental health problems is a matter for the appropriate health professional, schools have a vital role to play in suicide prevention. Since 2003, social, personal and health education has been taught to all pupils up to junior certificate level. The modules at junior cycle deal specifically with issues such as bullying, dealing with peer pressure and coping with stress. In third year, an awareness of the range of agencies that can help students in difficulty is promoted, as well as the skills of knowing when and how to seek help.

School staff such as class tutors, home school liaison teachers and guidance counsellors also have a key role to play in supporting individual students who may experience personal problems. Referral can be made to appropriate health agencies where necessary and NEPS provides support and guidance to school staff who deal with pupils on a daily basis. As the Minister outlined last night, NEPS has developed an advice and information pack for schools on responding to critical incidents. When requested, NEPS will also make itself available for consultation and advice with regard to individual students causing concern.

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