Education Committee meets with the Department of Education and Secondary School Student on School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health

Tomorrow’s discussion is the last of a series of committee meetings where key stakeholders came before the committee. The meeting will consist of two sessions:

• Session 1 – 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm - Briefing on Current Initiatives and Future Plans regarding School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health from Department of Education Officials.
• Session 2 – 5 pm to 5:30 pm - Discussion on School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health with Mr Hugh Ahern, 2nd Year Student, Patrician Academy, Mallow, County Cork.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Cathaoirleach, Paul Kehoe TD, said: “The Committee will meet with the Department of Education and to continue its important examination of School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health. At our final meeting, we will be briefed on current initiatives and future plans with the Department of Education and listen to the insights and perspective of a young student.

Over the previous weeks, the Committee has had valuable insights into the challenges faced in dealing with bullying and the mental health issues that can result from such behaviours. We heard from students, School Management and patron Bodies, psychologists and psychotherapists, bodies that represent Primary and Secondary School Principals and Deputy Principals, discussed international learnings and evidence, and we also heard from the DCU’s National Anti Bullying Centre.”

The Cathaoirleach added, “Today is a very special day for the Committee. Mr Hugh Ahern, a 2nd Year Student, from the Patrician Academy, Mallow, County Cork will be the youngest witness to come before the Committee and was chosen as the voice of young people. This gives us an opportunity to hear first-hand, his experience and insight in what he believes can be done to help schools and students in the future.”

The meeting at 3:30 pm will be broadcast from Committee Room 4 of Leinster House.

The Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 4 on the Oireachtas website. More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.