Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for attending. She has been here on a number of occasions. We all know that because of the pandemic, the issue of mental health is of vital importance to people. We are all experiencing shocking levels of mental health issues in our communities. With the stress of prolonged lockdowns, as well as the isolation and the hopelessness that many are feeling, people feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel or they cannot see it at least.

Many supports have been put in place such as the text back and other facilities. There are issues such as the bad housing situation facing some people, along with mothers with young children trying to work at home and home school. The mental health of the nation's children is severely affected by the lack of in-class time. The schools going back is a priority of the Government. It will be a key to alleviating some of the pressure under which people are finding themselves.

Young people are facing difficulties with the uncertainty around the leaving certificate. The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, outlined several weeks ago that a two-pronged approach will be taken to the leaving certificate and that students will have a choice. This was the express wish of the students. I appeal to all parties involved with the leaving certificate to get back around the table and keep the mental health of young people in mind when they are discussing and moving forward with their work. It is important they are given certainty at this point. They are facing enormous stress and strain, being isolated from their friends, not having any sporting or cultural activities. Now the uncertainty around their future education and careers is hampering them. Will the Minister of State bring that message, namely, that young people are under strain, back to her colleagues in the Department of Health and around the Cabinet table?