Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I read in the health supplement of The Irish Times this morning an article on bullying in schools. I was shocked to see that boys as young as six to nine years of age are being bullied in the most horrific manner. In many cases parents are not even be aware of what is going on. I raise this is because I again want to ask the Leader not to forget about having a debate on mental health when we come back in January, particularly mental health in adolescents and young people and the lack of ringfenced beds. What starts with the bullying of a six or nine year old in a school classroom or a playground can often lead to much more difficult problems.

I support my colleague, Senator Glynn, in seeking a debate on diabetes, particularly now that this is again in the media. It is sad that we only talk about this when our attention is drawn to it by someone in the public eye who is suffering, while nonetheless, wishing that person well. I recall a debate in the last Seanad, perhaps three and half years ago, and I was astounded at the information shared during that discussion. Many men tend to put diabetes-related ailments down to other factors and do not have it attended to quickly enough. However, as Senator Glynn has said, a little knowledge is a good thing. In a situation such as this, knowledge is king.