Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Jan O'Sullivan gave us plenty of food for thought. It is good that we have in the Deputy an ally on the Joint Committee on Education and Skills. We are making common cause on specific matters such as the reduced-hours timetable. It is also helpful to have her insights, as a former Minister, on how to move the system.

I thank Dr. Teresa O'Doherty. While it is great to hear of positive initiatives, it is disappointing to note that they are run on goodwill and are not deliberate, mainstream, State-funded efforts. Mr. Patrick McDonagh shared with us very thoughtful insights based on his experience and gave his perspective as a historian, especially on developments around attitudes to Travellers and what has changed and needs to change. He also made very strong recommendations, which the committee will note. I thank all witnesses for their presentations and for dealing with members' questions in such a comprehensive manner. They have given us plenty of ideas for questions to put to Minister and his officials, as well as the representatives of various other bodies who will appear before the committee next week. The witnesses can rest assured that we will raise these points.