Youth Mental Health and Guidance Services in Secondary Schools: Motion [Private Members]
Seanad Éireann — 2023-06-21
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Sharon Keogan (IND), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I did not put my name to this because I have certain concerns regarding children. I have been a foster parent for the past 12 years. I am on my last year. I am taking a break after this. She is doing her final exams tomorrow and, please God, I have got her to a stage in life where she will be able to plough her own way forward, so I have a huge interest in the mental health of children and teenagers.
However, we cannot overlook the impact of Covid on our children and teenagers. This is something that needs to be looked at very seriously. I did not get to the Jigsaw presentation this morning but it is coming to a talk tonight in Stamullen. I work with Jigsaw in County Meath on mental health programmes we run through the Feel Good Project. It is fantastic but it only has 11 places in Ireland. It could do more.
These look after teenagers and those up to the age of 25. We could do with more investment in Jigsaw but trying to find the counsellors is the problem when it comes to providing mental health supports for children.
I welcome the Minister, Deputy Foley's investment by way of the pilot programme in seven counties, offering counselling services in primary schools. However, I have serious concerns about what could happen because when you put in something, you always know something will happen along the way. The over-reach by Tusla that could occur is what I am trying to highlight today, and also the importance of family supports that need to be put in place should incidents that are not life-threatening to the child happen. What are the Minister's plans for this?
On the over-reach by Tusla, what oversight is given to the guidance counsellors operating in schools? Who monitors the communication between school counsellors and students? What happens if the parents of a child wish to get a report on the meetings their child has had with guidance counsellors? I refer to family support. Supporting a student is important but support for the entire family is important too. Does the Minister have any plans to put in place mechanisms by which dialogue can be had between the school counsellors and the parents and family of that student? How can a school support the family of a student as he or she deals with personal or social issues? How could the Department aid schools in offering such help and what does such support look like practically? Those are the question that I have.
It is not only a matter of putting all these counsellors into every primary school and secondary school. What do we do then when problems present? What are the outcomes from that, because families may need support? They often will need support.
Senator Garvey is looking at me. I have vast experience. Families need support. Sometimes the right option is not removing a child from the family home if it is not life-threatening.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:52:02+00:00
Sitting date: 2023-06-21