Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On a serious note, all Members agree that investment is required in respect of people with disabilities, whether in terms of housing adaptation, as Senator Devine referenced, jobs or education.

Senators Ruane and Noone made reference to the issue of image, photoshopping, young people's self esteem and magazines that present perfect people. As Members know, that plays on people's minds and the Senators are right to raise the issue. Senator Warfield referenced young people's issues yesterday and today. It is important that there be a debate in the House on youth services, young people and issues that affect them because those will be huge issues for society. If one looks at what is happening on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter - the latter to a lesser degree because young people do not use it as much, although I may be in trouble for saying that - both Senators are correct that it is a huge issue that requires discussion and an action plan because it has an effect on of how people see themselves. I welcome Senator Freeman back to the House. She is working in this area, to which I will return. I would be happy to have that debate. It is urgently required.

Senator Ruane also referenced the issue of access to education. I am a former director of education, and spoke last week at the third UNESCO international conference on learning cities which took place in Cork city and was attended by delegates from over 80 countries. I am aware of the importance of returning to education or empowering people to go out to the workplace and better themselves and get a job. I do not have the details the Senator mentioned but if they are given to me, I will pass them to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, because people must be allowed to be progress. The issue raised by the Senator is disappointing and I would be happy to pursue it for her.

Senator Noone also made reference to the issue of mental health and Senators Freeman and Devine referenced the issue of 16 to 18 year olds not being catered for. A Seanad Public Consultation Committee report is soon due on the issue of mental health. All Senators will agree there are many factors, including the good work being done by the charitable sector, including Pieta House, in the area of mental health and suicide. It is important that we invest and try to prevent the tragic deaths of young people in our communities. I would be happy to have a debate on that issue when the report is completed.

Senator Murnane-O'Connor spoke on promoting Positive Ageing Week and that it is important the budget be a fair one that reflects the needs of our older citizens. I am sure the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, will do that in his budget speech.

Senator McDowell made a very eloquent address on constitutional reform. There is no one view on that issue. The Senator has expressed his. I am happy that he will park Seanad reform and will not put it to another constitutional referendum.