Ms Eileen Flynn:

In regard to the introduction of e-books in primary schools, there is a pedagogical issue of which cognisance must be taken. Children at junior level need to have 3D learning opportunities. They cannot learn about money from a whiteboard; they actually need to handle it. This means that it is not quite as simple as it sounds. They also need to handle books and turn their pages. There are children who come to junior infants now who believe that if they place two fingers on an image in a book, it will automatically become enlarged. I wish I had an iPhone 4S to give to each of them.

Deputy Ó Ríordáin referred to Christmas presents, etc., for teachers. I am not representing the CPSMA when I, as a principal and a teacher of many years experience, say that I have never accepted a present from anybody. The experience of receiving a present is horrific. In order to have a present for their teachers, some children would actually steal something from their mothers' dressing tables. I could not agree more with the Deputy that the custom of giving presents should be done away with. However, the decision in that regard is one for schools to make. I am of the view that it is very odd that children are still giving presents to teachers.

If the committee has power to do anything with regard to schools being treated as businesses, perhaps it might consider the position with regard to standing charges. We want to be green and clean, so schools have switched to gas for their heating. However, one third of their bills are made up of the standing charge. In July and August, primary schools are closed but they must still pay the standing charge. We investigated this matter previously and tried to make representations to various legislators in respect of it. I understand there is a legal issue in this regard.