Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the Order of Business and I would like to second the minute's silence for Vicky Phelan. I am conscious that the women's caucus will be meeting at that time so I may not be back in the Chamber. The caucus will also have a vote on this. It is an appropriate thing to do and I thank the Deputy Leader for suggesting it.

I have just come from Buswells Hotel where many of us had the opportunity to meet members of the Samaritans from around the country. Charlie Bird was there and, my gosh, what an incredible man he is. He is still inspiring, still caring and, more important, still living. No more than Vicky Phelan did, he is using every moment of his life to make a difference. The Samaritans launched an excellent report and I pay tribute to the work they do. Many years ago, I was a volunteer in my local branch in Newbridge. The training we received, particularly relating to being non-judgmental and listening, was very appropriate and a lifelong lesson. I have always tried to apply it in my political life and in negotiations. I wish the Samaritans the best of luck.

Today is world COPD day. For those who are not aware of it, COPD is chest obstruction pulmonary disease. It is a life-limiting and very difficult disease. There will be a presentation on it in the audiovisual room. I am conscious of COPD because my father suffered from it. While it is important that people get treatment, there is another important message. Sadly, my father passed away almost ten years ago, two weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. I could not understand why it took so long to diagnose the problem because we were told afterwards it was clear that he had lung cancer for about eight years. I was told that COPD had masked the lung cancer symptoms. An important message for people who have COPD is that they make sure, if they have concerns, that they fight for the right diagnosis.

The School Climate Survey 2022 sadly shows that school is still a hostile place for LGBTQ+ students. The figures show that 76% of LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school and one in three has skipped school to avoid negative treatment. One in three also reported that other students were not accepting of them and 69% had heard homophobic remarks from other students. On a positive note, 99% of LGBTQ+ students knew at least one school staff member supportive of LGBTQ+ identities. It is important that this one significant other is there. However, the survey shows we have a long way to go and it brings to mind a recent INTO survey.It brings to mind of an INTO survey that was done recently. It showed that 80% of teachers who are in the LGBT community are afraid and have not shown their identity. There is a big message for society. We need a hate crime Bill and we need proper relationship and sexuality education, RSE. There is a big message for all of us that we need to be inclusive in everything that we do.