Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the proposer of the motion, I thank the Minister for coming into the House and listening to us. I welcome in particular his promise to pass on our deliberations to the working group.

Perhaps we could also forward the transcript of the debate.

I thank the 21 Members who contributed to this debate for the variety of insights into this issue. I was shocked to hear that our Acting Chairman was capable of strong language, as I would never have suspected it. Everybody made a great contribution to the debate and Senator Reilly may note that although the amendment will not be pressed, the Minister noted its topic could be the relevant in a separate debate. I would welcome a Private Members' motion on that issue.

I am glad reference has been made to the great work being done by schools, which we should never forget. I was particularly delighted to hear the Minister mention the unique and special role played by guidance councillors in schools. Mr. Gerry Malone is a guidance counsellor in Dundalk CBS and I have seen his great work. We also have Ms Betty McLoughlin from the Institute of Guidance Councillors of Ireland, and those people have listened carefully to this debate. In discussing suicide and desperation, we must think about the great number of people who have been saved from trauma by guidance counsellors.

The Minister is a people's Minister for Education and Skills. He has illustrated this in the reform of the junior certificate and other initiatives. I am absolutely convinced from listening to the Minister's speech that he is determined to make a significant difference to the quality of life of children by tackling bullying in schools. I thank him for coming before the Seanad today.