Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I, too, call for a debate on the issue of bullying as shown on last night's "Prime Time Investigates" programme. I watched the programme following which I contacted colleagues of mine in the teaching profession and asked for their views on the issue. They all said that what is wrong is that society is breaking down. The fundamental question of why this is happening remains.

I accept bullying is an old concept with which we have all had to deal. However, what was shown on television last night is more than bullying. There is a criminal and vicious aspect to what is happening now. Fundamental questions must be asked. Why are people so angry? We need an interdepartmental debate on the matter between the Departments of Health and Children, Education and Science and Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

I was unable to attend last week's debate on rural communities and how the quality of life therein has deteriorated. However, I hope it is an issue that will come up for discussion during the interdepartmental debate in order that we can question what is going wrong and examine how we can curb this trend. Many questions need to be addressed. For example, in what way can our professionals assist in this regard, do we need more resources or professional back-up and where are we going wrong? I do not know the answers. Does anybody here know the answers? We must conduct a brainstorming exercise on the matter to determine if we can come up with a solution. I believe the matter can be addressed by way of legislation. I would welcome a debate on this issue.