Shane Curley (Fianna Fail)

I touched on this earlier on but I was a bit rushed for time. On the flexibility of training by the NCSE for teachers in ASD classes, there could be an opportunity this summer if we were to send correspondence to school principals now to send in notice to the NCSE of who the teachers are who will need training. If the NCSE could endeavour over the summer to have it ready for the last week in August when the teachers return so that their training coincides with the start of their journey in an ASD class, it could make a huge difference.

According to a principal that got in touch with me, last September the NCSE sent out correspondence inviting applications and a booklet was sent out. By the time the booklet reached the schools with a breakdown of how to apply, etc., the spaces were booked up online. The number of NCSE training spaces for teachers in ASD classes is insufficient. I know this as a former teacher. The positive impact a teacher can make if they are equipped with the skills to assist students in ASD classrooms is unbelievable. Equally, it can be so damaging to a child if a teacher is exposed to that environment when he or she does not have skills to deal with it. If the Minister of State could have a look at those few issues.