Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate it is a scourge that destroys lives. It also undermines people's confidence and ability to learn and even to engage with life. I accept what the Deputy says. Many initiatives are needed to deal with it. The recent UNICEF report was very worrying as it highlighted very high levels of bullying in Ireland compared with some other countries. The guidelines issued by the National Educational Welfare Board that require each school to have dedicated policies to prevent or address bullying are important. Schools must make it clear in their codes of behaviour that bullying is unacceptable. However, what the Deputy is highlighting is the gap that can sometimes occur between the theory and the practice. We must ensure the practice lives up to what is outlined in our action plan and in the guidelines being issued to schools by the Department of Education and Skills. I believe there is greater awareness but there still is a great deal more work to be done.

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