Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's comments differ somewhat from what is in the document. On page 5 of the document, under the heading of physical, social and emotional well-being, it states that students should be supported to be healthy, stay physically active and eat nutritious foods. There is a lot of guidance on well-being. These measures to support young people may be sufficient for the general support of all students but do they dig deep enough to support the complex, emotional and behavioural issues with which principals know students will return? As teachers try to deal with these issues, what emotional supports will be offered to them?

At some of the schools I have contacted over the last couple of days to seek guidance about this particular session, I have been told of students who have been in their rooms for the best part of three months, who have not really gone outside, have piled on weight and who have emotional issues. Some of them have experienced traumatic events in their own homes. Teachers will face the brunt of all of that as soon as this programme starts. How will the teachers and SNAs be supported, as they will be the first to come into contact with these students on their return to the school environment?

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