Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments and broad support for the adoption of a whole-school approach. In fact, much of the thinking behind this approach is embedded in the core values of the proposals for the junior cycle curriculum. I hope the House will have an opportunity within a few weeks to debate the document launched last week. The key in what we are trying to do is vesting responsibility for mental health well-being in the school community, rather than it being a specific and particular task of one individual or group of individuals. We all need to be apprised of health awareness. Younger people today are more mature than we were at their age. The stresses and strains of living in modern society have become more complex and severe. The economic downturn has caused significant stress for many families, many of whom would not have envisaged having to deal with such economic difficulties. All of these factors require the adoption of a wider approach to their resolution and the provision of some support. I agree with the Deputy that the adoption of a whole-school approach is the way to go. I have received the communication from the coalition to which the Deputy refers which I will take into account when communicating with schools.

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