Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I thank the Deputy for his input. It is important to acknowledge the work that is already being done by the Department of Education and Skills to combat and prevent bullying. The inspectorate provides help to schools by supporting, advising on and evaluating anti-bullying measures. This is done through the primary and post-primary school evaluation process, and through the social, personal and health education subject inspections. There are therefore a wide range of services in that area.

I note Deputy Neville's point about some schools being willing to engage in anti-bullying programmes while others are less so. If there is a submission to that effect coming through this process, the Department of Education and Skills should take it on board in order to have a qualitative outcome to this issue. Ultimately, the more educated we all are as citizens about this matter, the more it will be clarified and demystified. The more normalised our culture becomes around this issue, the less pervasive it will be. If we can change a culture we can then modify behaviour positively. I note Deputy Neville's points and I hope there will be some mechanism to address the lack of engagement by some schools on this matter.

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