Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to the first National Action Plan on Bullying, if he envisages a role for the Health Service Executive within the implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7228/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On Tuesday 29th of January Minister Fitzgerald and I published the Action Plan on Bullying. I have broadly accepted the twelve proposed actions and have ring-fenced €500,000 to support implementation this year.

The anti-bullying working group also recommended the establishment of an Implementation Group to oversee the implementation of accepted actions and recommendations set out in the action plan. I have asked my officials to consider what structure is necessary to support this initiative and other related initiatives, including the new Well-Being in Post-Primary Schools: Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention (2013). I am most anxious to see co-operation and shared endeavour across all government departments and agencies including the HSE in tackling the very serious issues involved.