Mr. Paul Rolston:

Our submission covers quite a lot of what the Deputy mentioned. We have said there must be adequate pastoral care and counselling support with professional back-up and resources. Having been away from school, getting back to school will be a massive change for all students and pupils, particularly those with special needs and those who are disadvantaged in some ways. We must look after these students very carefully in our schools. Each school in the Irish system is autonomous. Schools have to work with parents.

The previous speaker asked whether we will be happy for our children to return to school if the medical advice is that everything is okay. We are in a period where, as always in life and in education, there are going to be calculated and considered risks attached to any moves we make. The importance of the mental wellness of our students is clear from the point of view of the social aspect of their being back in school and with their peers. They are critical and we have spoken about that, as have all our colleagues today. Schools must be adaptable should things happen quickly. If a particular student requires support, facilities and personnel must be available to provide that support. To reiterate the final point we made in our opening statement, pupils, parents and teachers must be confident that schools can manage in the event of a problem or difficulty arising. While I hope that will not happen, it may well happen. Ensuring supports are in place will give confidence.