Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It needs to be placed on a much firmer footing to do the work that is important. I welcome Jack Leahy from Malahide community school, Anna Crowley from Mount Anville, Martin McGibney from St. Patrick's College in Cavan and Hannah Furey from St. Anne's College in Killaloe. They are all transition year students. We hope we are giving them food for thought.

I detect a sense of weariness amng those who have come here. People have been telling their stories about mental health, health and education issues. It is time for the State to play its part. The delegates are carrying a heavy load. They are talking to the Oireachtas and we are listening, but that load must also be shared. Education is the key. My father finished school at the age of 12 years and his children were fortunate to receive an education which was not the norm for him. I endorse the points made by Deputy Ó Cuív and others. Teachers and others must be visible and there must be affirmative action. Mr. Collins has outlined that there is an affirmative action strand in the NTRIS. We will want to hear about it when the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Stanton, comes before the committee, in particular about education. Mr. Collins likened it to raising the number of Irish speakers and the effect it had on a marginalised community. There must be positive steps and actions taken similar to those in teaching and other areas. Intercultural education seems to be pivotal and the key.