Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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72. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37997/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The project referred to by the Deputy provides a valuable role in encouraging empathy in young people. Building empathy is considered to be part of the SPHE curriculum. This project is one of a range of external resources and initiatives that are available to assist schools in implementing various aspects of the Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. It is a matter for individual schools to determine which of these resources they choose to access. My Department's advice is that schools in the first instance should implement the Well-Being in Primary Schools Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion effectively. It is the policy of the Department of Education and Skills not to endorse or promote any particular programmes. I wish this worthwhile venture well.