Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I have a brief question for our three remaining witnesses. I completely agree with the call for extensive continuing professional development, CPD, for the whole school community, including boards of management, which have been mentioned. Teachers need to be given more upskilling with regard to language and empathy. It is certainly difficult with large classes but developing our teachers to be that significant person who can listen and provide support is of great importance.

The idea of the online safety commissioner came up quite strongly at the last meeting. Do the witnesses have any comments on that? Some schools take the firm view that if bullying happens off school property outside of school hours, the school does not have a role to play. I contest that, if the bullying is between students, the school does still have a role. Will the witnesses comment on that? They have addressed the whole area of middle management, which is really needed, but will they address those two issues? I will ask Ms Piggott for a very quick response first.