Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his helpful reply, which gives us clarity about the issue that was not available until the provision of these figures. I take his point about geography and qualifications. It is important that we have people in the correct places with the appropriate skill set. We need to examine prevention and the promotion of positive mental health. While it is not the Minister's direct responsibility, there is a void in this area in our schools. Deputy O'Sullivan, myself and representatives of other parties have had meetings about this. Some schools are leading the way and we have been briefed about the Scottish model. A whole school curriculum approach is needed to promoting positive mental health. Children as young as four are taught to look after the teeth and to brush them but mental health issues are not mentioned until they are 15 when it is referred to vaguely in the SPHE curriculum. We need to consider an age appropriate way to let everybody know that they need to protect their mental health. I ask the Minister and the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health to co-ordinate that with the Department of Education and Skills.

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