Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Regarding access and the launch of the event around the budget, having mental health supports for our young people is crucial for all students. Look at the mental health crisis within the Traveller community and among very disadvantaged children. Mental health supports will benefit the young people coming through our education system.

Our language is important. Third level education is also important, but we focus on universities a lot and this is about meeting the child where the child is. Last week, I made a comment about not having segregated schools. We need schools that meet the needs of young children with special educational needs, some of which are severe. People need to be met where they are. Like the INTO's representatives, I have not spoken to one person who agrees with the call for five special schools to be put in place through an emergency measure. This follows on from one of the points I made last week. All week, there has been a blame game, with the Department blaming the schools and teachers. At the end of the day, this is just a way of kicking the can down the road instead of trying to create places for more than 270 students with special educational needs who do not have places currently.

Someone touched on the issue of children travelling outside their localities. What number of children have to travel more than 10 km, or even up to 30 km, outside their areas?

Do the unions have a good relationship with disability organisations? Do they consult or work with them much?

We could sit here for another three of these meetings and talk about the issues within the education system. We are all individuals even though we are in roles. I know of teachers who can give Traveller children ill treatment by putting them at the back of the room with the colouring pages. That is not the unions' fault – that is the fault of individuals.

We talk about special needs teachers. I am on the campaign to treat our SNAs with respect. SNAs have a major role to play in the education of children with additional needs. Do the witnesses want to touch on the role of SNAs going forward?

What consultation do the unions have with disability organisations? If they had a magic wand to put something in place right now, what do the unions think would be ideal for teachers?