Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
157. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to improve access to supports for positive mental health in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25074/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s approach to supporting well-being and mental health is set out in the Well-being Policy Statement and Framework for Practice first published in 2018 and refreshed in 2019. The approach is founded on research and best international practice in relation to how schools can best support the well-being and mental health of children and young people. The approach proposed is a whole school and preventative approach which has multiple components that includes providing children and young people with opportunities to build core social and emotional skills and competencies and providing opportunities to experience supportive relationships within the school setting and to learn through those relationships.
Embedded in the whole-school approach is the recognition that members of the school community may have different needs at different times and that a continuum of support in relation to well-being should be made available. Those at greater risk and with greater needs may require more specific and targeted support, in addition to the support provided at the universal level for all children and young people.
A broad range of supports, resources and professional learning opportunities are being provided to support schools to promote and support well-being and resilience. This support is provided to primary and post-primary schools through a range of services and supports including the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), Guidance Counselling provision at post primary level, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).
The Department of Health has responsibility for the provision of counselling services in Ireland, and through HSE Primary Care Psychology and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provides clinical support to children and young people with mental health needs. In addition, the HSE and its funded providers, provide e-mental health services that offer online text and telephone supports to people seeking mental health information and advice. My Department has built strong links with the Department of Health and both Departments are exploring ways to improve supports for young people, including around increased awareness, promoting help-seeking behaviour and sign-posting to the wide range of available services. Work will continue to collectively explore ways of improving supports for children and young people.
