Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Senator referenced a specific young person, prosthesis and areas of need in schools. The whole focus for every child and young person in the area, no matter what their needs, is to have supports in place at an appropriate time to be of maximum benefit to the young person. We are making great strides. An additional €2 million has been provided in the budget to ensure we have greater access to assistive technology. Where some students require wheelchairs, we are conscious that lifts should be provided. All of that is done to accommodate people. If there are specific cases, we would be happy to take them on board. We have a dedicated approach within the Department to ensure that young people get the maximum amount of opportunities. We are prepared to hear about individual cases if there are any issues.

The Senator mentioned reduced timetables, and there are clear guidelines around that. They can never be used for a disciplinary process. There must be full consultation with parents and guardians about the use of reduced timetables. I have met Mr. Adam Harris and other representatives of AsIAm. They are valuable stakeholders for us, particularly in the area of special education. An advocacy group was set up in March 2022 and between then and March of this year, more than 14 meetings took place. We are focused on ensuring we have the widest breadth of reflection in the partnership on education. We are fortunate to have the involvement of AsIAm and a whole variety of other groups working in that forum.

The Senator asked about middle management. I made an announcement as part of the most recent budget to the effect that 1,000 posts of responsibility would be provided for. I know the value of distributed leadership, as they call it, and the importance of having supports in place for senior management. That is positive. I have also indicated that the guidelines will be issued, as we have said, and schools will be in a position to recruit in advance of September 2024. It is right and proper that they do not have to wait until the beginning of the school year in September 2024.

The Senator also asked about teachers' service abroad. The service of teachers who teach in another EU country or the UK is fully recognised. The issue at hand relates to those who are teaching in private schools in non-EU countries. That is a matter that can and will be addressed by the Teachers Conciliation Council. There will also be a budgetary measure. At primary school level, there is some recognition for a certain number of years of service. It is an issue that has been raised with us. I have been clear in saying that no issue is off the table. It will be addressed by the Teachers Conciliation Council.