Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I will add a few comments. The delegates can certainly take the opportunity to answer, but, if they wish, they may also take some time to reflect and look for more information and provide us with a written answer at a future stage. The clerk and I will ensure any follow-up information is circulated to committee members. I thank everybody for the incredible debate we have had.

My first comment is to Dr. Anne Ryan. On the hugely iimportant issue of teacher training in Marino, if there is over-subscription, is there a selection process and, if so, what criteria are used? How long is the assessment period for each student teacher? I think Dr. Ryan mentioned that there was a two-week placement for student teachers. Is that period sufficient? I know from teaching and teaching practice that two weeks are really not enough to gauge all of the challenges within the system.

In respect of students who complete courses covering both mainstream and special education, is there a sense that they benefit more from focusing on both together rather than working in just one? It is important to recognise the challenge involved in promoting inclusive education. Does Dr. Ryan see something in that regard?

Does Ms Corr from NABMESE have proposals for more recognised training programmes at level 7 for SNAs who play an important role? Does she have a view on the opening up of courses available to teachers to accommodate SNAs and other staff?

We are talking about whole-staff initiatives. It is important that we recognise the role that all staff play in the success of schools and that includes caretakers, secretaries and SNAs. One must ensure that they are kept in the loop.

As Ms Dempsey mentioned, training in crisis intervention must be given. We must consider providing the appropriate funding for such an initiative. It should be possible to link training to SOLAS or the other training and apprenticeship programmes. Unfortunately, money is always an issue.

Dr. Nic Craith mentioned regional support services. Who is responsible for providing support services? I am interested in hearing the thoughts of the witnesses on the matter and on the proposal to provide in-school models of mental health support. Mental health services are very important. Who would manage the scheme? How would it be funded? Would the service be provided on a full-time or part-time basis?

In 2005, professional development support was provided in the DEIS plan. Can the witnesses recommend ways to improve professional development? Can the scheme be improved?

I thank Ms Duggan and Ms Dempsey for outlining the realities of dealing with students and teachers. They highlighted the difficult challenges experienced by many teachers. Without a shadow of a doubt, they have identified the need for extra nursing and clinical supports and additional resources in order to ensure that children and, indeed, staff embrace the idea of inclusion. Scoil Na Naomh Uilig is inclusive but St. Anne's school is not inclusive. The witnesses outlined in stark detail the challenging behaviours that teachers encounter at the latter school. I know because I visited the school recently. On that occasion, I had a long conversation with the teachers about the situation, including the need for extra supports to be provided to them.

It is wonderful that junior cycle level 1 has been introduced at St. Anne's. We should consider introducing junior cycle level 1 in mainstream schools as opposed to just special school. Such an initiative would encourage inclusivity. It would also afford an opportunity for students with special needs who have gone to a mainstream primary school to continue their education in a post-primary setting.

People have called for funding to be increased to fund the adaptation of school buildings in order that children with special needs can be accommodated. Should we consider more specialised centres or schools rather than altering classrooms? Adapting school accommodation would not be the most cost-effective way to do things.

The NCSE has made recommendations and a number of them have yet to be adopted. Can Ms Griffin tell us which recommendation or recommendations need to be addressed as a matter of urgency? She said that early contact with the home has proven beneficial and I ask her to elaborate. I have discussed the matter with parents and I have a brother with special needs. As a result, I sometimes feel there is not enough societal early intervention by the relevant services and agencies. Early intervention is hugely important.

The review of the SNA scheme was mentioned. When will it be concluded? I am sure the committee would like to get a copy of the review and examine its findings.

Professor Hyland was a visionary lecturer in Carysfort College. It is obvious that she has not lost her passion for education. I want to discuss how we can change and provide support to young people at risk for whatever reason, be it behavioural or people with special needs who are at risk of not getting the best possible education. I am interested in the final report of the educational disadvantage committee that she chaired. How many of the recommendations have been implemented? Will she please comment on the recommendations that have not been implemented? I suggest that she do so in writing. Interestingly, Dr. Hyland noted the number of children, particularly boys, that have been expelled because their schools did not have adequate resources. I ask Dr. Hyland to comment on the matter.

We could spend all night debating these matters but I shall return to the panel. I ask witnesses to indicate their wish to speak.