Ms Derval McDonagh:

I want to pick up on the point about information because that has come out loud and clear today. There is such confusion about the circular. Even speaking to people working in the system, including experienced principals, there is confusion. Taking a step back from that, this circular was written for the system. It was not written in a way that is readily understood. What about a child with a visual impairment? What about a child who uses alternative augmentative communication to access the curriculum? Will they be included? These very basic questions the Deputy is asking need to be answered in that way directly by the Department using accessible, plain English in order that all stakeholders can fully understand. That is a really basic piece that needs to happen next. That is what the Department needs to come out with in order that all stakeholders - children, families and educators - can fully understand the ramifications of the circular.