Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their opening statements. I taught in a DEIS school for 16 years. In my opinion, home school liaison links in well with the Education Welfare Office. The school completion officers are the unsung heroes of any school.

The teachers see the benefits in the classroom but a lot is done behind the scenes and in the community around the parents' room. I commend the incredible work being done, as well as the strengthening of families. The demand for participation is indicative of the success of the programmes for families in need. I will open the meeting to members and will then come back to the witnesses for answers.