Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes. The Department is open to and aware of all of these possibilities. If we get engagement, we will be prepared to explore ways in which we can address teachers' concerns. I recognise that people have legitimate concerns which are genuinely held. It is not some kind of negotiating position. These are legitimate and genuine concerns for many teachers. They are afraid of coming under parental pressure and school pressure from principals who want to maintain standards in schools and examination results. I have heard those things expressed to me by individual teachers from my own party and from other parties. I recognise that these are real pressures and, therefore, real fears. We are prepared to work to see how we can minimise them, if not eliminate them.