Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask this question in the light of some of the issues I raised as Priority Questions. It is clear that greater action is required to support young people who are experiencing mental health issues and that the school environment is a place in which positive mental health should be promoted. It is estimated that at any one time one in five young people is experiencing psychological difficulties. According to recent research presented by Headstrong, the number could be as high as one in four. Research indicates that adopting a whole-school approach is the most effective way of targeting mental health promotion rather than a curriculum-based approach in programmes such as the SPHE programme. The whole-school approach seeks to change the ethos of a school and make good mental health a primary objective. Will the Minister reconsider his approach and consider implementing this programme? Has he had any engagement with the Children's Mental Health Coalition which is campaigning for the adoption of a whole-school approach to mental health?

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