Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is very welcome. As the Minister is aware, Carlow is now a university town and county. I welcome the culture of zero tolerance of all forms of sexual hostility, harassment and violence by society to actively contribute to a safe, supportive environment. This is especially important for higher and further educational institutions. I welcome the extension of the programme to the second level, which is good for secondary schools. That is important. The development of a national toolkit to educate and support safe bystander intervention will promote pro-social behaviour and attitudes. It is important that we can ensure across all sectors that we include everyone. It is great to see that happening.

There are good examples of such initiatives. The Minister mentioned the UCC bystander intervention programme. In the United States, there is what is called the green dot bystander intervention. Is the Minister aware of that? He is not. That is another approach that is in use and seems to be very good. What the Minister said is welcome and I thank him.

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