Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss the possibility of implementing a policy that would undoubtedly assist the safety and well-being of Irish teenagers. I raised this issue in the Seanad a number of months ago. As we know, the issues of bullying and suicide are persisting right across the country and, unfortunately, are remaining prevalent among teenagers. I feel that every channel of communication must be examined to raise awareness of these problems, which are reaching unacceptable levels in our society. Information on helplines needs to be easily accessible to those who need such services most. It is vital for this critical information, which could save the life of a teenager or anybody else, to be readily available to such people. Therefore, I ask the Minister of State to indicate whether he agrees that information on suicide prevention and anti-bullying helplines should be printed on the back covers of all secondary school books. This information should contain the telephone numbers and website details of all relevant bodies and organisations that provide anti-bullying and suicide prevention measures. I would like the Minister of State to indicate whether he is amenable to the implementation of an initiative that would ensure helpline information is printed on all secondary school books and manuals used for present and future curriculums for secondary school students.