Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I have raised the issue of school bullying in the past and now do so again. This problem will not go away and recent events not far from where I live led a young person to the ultimate step of taking his own life. I am not going to name names but this matter has been brought to my attention on more than one occasion. Two members of my family have suffered from this in the past and it must be dealt with effectively. There is no easy solution to bullying, but it will have to be put at centre stage here and debated in such a way as to find a suitable resolution.

I subscribe to the view that planning is an extremely difficult area of public life. At this point most counties, including mine, have recently concluded reviews of their county development plans. However, all those county development plans should be reviewed. A nit-picking process is in place with planners around the country and, in one case close to home, a word has caused a delay of three months. I could go further.

On the smoking ban, I will be supporting the Minister.