Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McManus for her presentation. I was interested to read it because education would not be my forte. However, I am aware that all around me are teachers and I will not try to compete.

As a public representative and a mother, education is all about ability and background. Unfortunately, in some parts of society ability and background are some of the least aspects that, when it comes to education, we think about. I have always been of the opinion that each child is very different and one size does not fit all.

It was interesting to hear what other colleagues had to say about music and how important it was that it be taught in schools. I have always been in awe of the music department at St. Agnes's primary school in my area in Crumlin. Sr. Bernadette has made great strides with children attending the school. I am referring to children who have found it difficult to even sit in a classroom, never mind participate, and know that music has changed the lives of many of them. It has also changed the lives of their parents because many of the children have progressed and are now involved in the senior orchestra at the school.

I am a person who has an interest in music and singing. When I watch the St. Patrick's Day parade and see the wonderful high school bands playing and marching down O'Connell Street, I wonder why we are not producing similar bands. Sr. Bernadette was probably one of the first to make the teaching of music accessible when she established an orchestra at her school. Others now teach music such as St. Ultan's primary school in Ballyfermot. Sr. Bernadette has told me that she saw the way children came alive when they were taught music and it paid dividends when they went back to their classrooms. Music greatly benefits children and it is great to see their lives change for the better. Teaching children how to play an instrument brings order and discipline which never leaves them. I ask Ms McManus, in her new role, to ensure the teaching of music is made more curriculum-friendly.

I have always had a keen interest in sport and for the past couple of nights have watched on television matches in the Women's World Cup. I also watch Gaelic games, the Wimbledon tennis tournament and everything else that is broadcast. I sometimes think we do not emphasise just how important sport is in school. We should examine the matter. I know of schools that do not even have a PE teacher, but I also know that this is probably not an issue in Ms Manus's area.

I agree with what Senator Fidelma Healy Eames said about the teaching of Irish. Because I am not fluent in Irish I left school at 14 years of age and was unable to pass my junior certificate examinations, but that is another day's work. I have suggested to the Taoiseach that free evening classes should be provided in communities to teach children and families Irish, particularly in the run-up to the 1916 Rising commemorations. I honestly believe such classes would make a huge impact, not only on the lives of parents but also on the lives of children attending school. We must do something rapidly about the teaching of Irish because it has been said Irish shall cease to be spoken in ten years time.