Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One cannot overstate the importance of this particular area. We prepare young people for all sorts of responsibilities in life through the education system but there is very little focus on or preparation for the responsibilities of parenting, which is a huge responsibility and arguably even more important than many other considerations currently occupying top positions. We need a two-pronged approach to this reflected in the education system, particularly through second level. The role and responsibilities of parenting should an integral part of the preparation for life.

There is also the question of those who are already parents. There can be no over employment of reminders along the way because the challenges of parenting, particularly in those early years, are huge. There was a dependence heretofore in large measure on generational supports in traditional Irish families that are not always available. I am sure I am not the only Deputy aware of cases of people literally trying to cope alone, which is a terrible situation to be in. The difficult situations that present themselves are not reflective of a lack of natural love, nurture and wish for stability. More people are having great difficulties in these times than at any previous time.

Consideration should be given to supports in the form of a booklet for national distribution. This is a significant area. All research shows that these crucial years have a critical influence on later life for young people. There is no end of opportunities that could be employed for reminders and supporters along the way. By reminders, I mean re-stating what many of us might think to be obvious but which is not always so if one is coping in very difficult circumstances.

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