Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader. I have to start today's proceedings by talking about education and some of the statistics that have emerged. When we see that calls to Childline went up by 26% during this lockdown, there are 20% fewer referrals to our social workers, and top paediatricians are saying children are at risk of suffering in terms of physical health and lack of socialisation, we have to have a pathway back to reopening schools. That has to be a priority and we should send a strong message. I think we were all devastated when we heard the news last night that the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland, ASTI, walked out of talks with the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, and her officials. We were all glad when we heard last week there would be a two-track approach to the leaving certificate.It is something that many Senators called for and sought, and it was absolutely the correct decision. It is appalling that the ASTI walked out of talks that aimed to find a solution for young people who are due to sit State exams this year. The union is certainly not thinking about them or their mental health or about supporting them. I urge it to get back in and to continue those conversations.

There was good news in my constituency this week, with the southern distributor road having reached a new milestone after the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, signed the documentation for the advanced tender. Nevertheless, I make an appeal through the Leader in regard to other vital infrastructure that is needed, namely, a second bridge for Newbridge. Newbridge is a busy, vital town, but there is only one bridge to bring us into or out of it. On that bridge, there are three busy secondary schools and three busy primary schools, and in normal times, it is not unusual for people to be blocked for 30 minutes in traffic. We need a second bridge to support residents and business. An application has been submitted under the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, and it is vital that funding be delivered. I would appreciate if the Leader could bring that to the attention of the Minister.

My final point relates to eating disorders. Next week is national eating disorders awareness week. According to research carried out, there was a 66% increase in 2020 in the number of hospital admissions relating to eating disorders, compared with the previous year. There are only eight beds in the country that specialise in and deal with eating disorders. We have to do something and to be better at supporting those who need help.