Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Senator, like Deputy Ó Ríordáin, raised the matter of the title. I want to be absolutely fair to and honest with both members in that I do not have any issue with the points they make on the title. The current title is the one that was given to the report when it was first commissioned in late 2017 and that is why I assume it remains in place; however, I have no issue with working with whatever is appropriate or whatever the students themselves deem to be the appropriate title. The core objective is to ensure educational provision that meets the needs of students and young people who, for whatever reason, cannot have those needs met at present in mainstream education. The objective is to ensure cohesion and financial sustainability regarding provision. As the Senator and students have said — nobody puts it better than the students themselves — they want a safe space. The working group now has an opportunity to work through the various points to ensure cohesion regarding governance and the curriculum, in addition to financial sustainability. That is the chief objective. The report is the catalyst for the next stage of engagement and delivery.