Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister’s response is pretty well as I anticipated, unfortunately. I believe even with the NEWB being an integral part of the agency that there is a need for the affirmation of the importance of educational welfare. It is one of the most important cornerstones in the preparation of any young person. Accordingly, it should be enshrined in the legislation as a critical element of the supports that need to be promoted and sustained through a child’s life. The Minister’s expected reply does not dissuade me from the merit of including the term “educational welfare” in this section. It is a requirement of the Constitution and this legislation should reflect this. I commend the amendment to the Minister and I rest my case at that. I hope she will reconsider her initial response.