Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody for their presentations. In a way I feel I have a foot in both camps as I was a teacher for a number of years. I agree with our guests that schools are very busy places. We all like to think sometimes that our lives are the busy ones, and indeed they are, but lots of others have busy lives too. The truth is when teachers get to their summer holidays they are looking forward to it, just like ourselves, and it is the same with principals. July provision is not for everybody. It is for some teachers but not for others. In this committee we hear the heartfelt pleas from parents. We have sat here and listened to some of the stories. Our guests know as they are involved in this area, and we know from talking to our constituents, how much parents want to see that next year, July provision is in place in schools. They are asking us to do something about it. In that context, I have a few questions, thoughts and ideas.

I hear some of the points our guests have made. They have talked about timely engagement and again that is something we can push for from here. That means timely planning but also timely payment. Again, that is something we can push for from here. Ms Quinn mentioned CPD roll-out. Are those courses in place? Does the Department need to do anything in the next three, six or nine months to try to ensure the specific type of courses that would be useful to teachers and SNAs could be put in place? Ms Howard spoke about making it attractive and Deputy Carroll MacNeill asked was that about money. Of course it is about money, as well as the fact people are working in a system that works well. Something being attractive is partly about money and partly about the system.

No one has to apologise for that.

My questions to the groups will be from that perspective. As unions, do they have a proactive role in informing teachers or encouraging them to participate in working with ETBs or schools? Is there anything more that the unions could do proactively this year so that we would have a better system of July provision next summer?

I wish to ask Fórsa about the barriers for SNAs. The issue of money was mentioned. The Teaching Council appeared before us earlier. Unfortunately, I was not present, but I know that people need to be registered. Is that an issue and, if so, how should we deal with it? Mr. Pike discussed the role of ETBs. While it sounds good, would it work everywhere?

I wish to ask about those who work in the childcare sector. We have spoken to a number of representatives. Many of them indicated their willingness to get involved in July provision. What are the witnesses' views on this? It should not just be teachers who are involved in July provision. There are trainee teachers, SNAs, childcare professionals and OTs. We can see how well the model in Malta works. How do principals feel that schools can work within that system? It is a significant challenge that requires a great deal of planning and is a large responsibility for schools. What could it be done? Is there something that the Department could do to facilitate it?

My final question has to do with what is going around in my head. What are the witnesses' views on the possibility of putting July provision into a separate system? Currently, the number of teachers participating is a trickle. It needs to be greater. Is there a possibility of a separate system for July provision?