Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Brian Hayes in his call for a debate on discipline in schools. Under the leadership of the Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs, Deputy Killeen, an expert group is meeting to examine bullying in the workforce. It might be a good idea for the House to consider its findings in the new year. I have come from a conference this morning at which a teacher spoke about 14 to 16 year olds. While it is wonderful to read in the OECD report how well Irish students are doing, there are teachers who are threatened by even the body language of people in that age group. It might be useful for the House to link school discipline with workplace bullying when it considers the expert group's report.