Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On page 67 of the programme for Government, there is a commitment to bring youth mental health to the fore through our education system. The foundation of mental health for our youth starts in our schools, but it starts with physical education. County Cavan has some thriving secondary schools but, unfortunately, some of them have dated gym facilities and others have none. Bailieborough community school and St. Aidan's comprehensive school in Cootehill have outdated facilities and have applied consistently for funding but without success. Worse again, two schools in the county, St. Bricin's in Belturbet and St. Mogue's in Bawnboy, have no gym facilities whatsoever. One of those schools has had two critical incidents in the past year. The issue can no longer be ignored and funding must be set aside for gym facilities, a basic requirement in any secondary school.

See this speech in context