Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)

It is over a decade since the infamous Croke Park hours were introduced for teachers requiring them to provide an additional 20 hours' service per annum. I was a teacher for many years and a member of the INTO. I think it is rather insulting to the men and women who take school teams after school and facilitate choirs, drama and fabulous activities like yoga. Every sort of afterschool activity is being offered in schools with no payment. Teachers are giving up their time - giving up family time - to stay on in schools. A decade on, would the Minister say that perhaps the volunteerism of teachers should be rewarded and could be counted as Croke Park hours? I know she is a proud GAA woman. It is acknowledged every July on the steps of Croke Park when a cup is received. The captain always thanks the Cumann na mBunscol structure in the county. The reality is that it is a pittance when they are expected to do a significant amount. Indeed newly qualified teachers go head over heels doing voluntary work after school hoping to get employment and none of it is recognised under Croke Park hours.