Mr. Adam Harris:

One of the steps we need to see from the Department is a recognition that its obligation to consult does not stop and start at the Education Act. I am confident that, were the Department present today, it would tell the Deputy that it had a statutory obligation to consult certain people, but the Department also has a public sector duty under the IHREC Act and clear obligations under the UNCRPD. We cannot be cherry-picking from the Statute Book our obligations around consultation, but that is what is happening at the moment. It very much feels to us to be a case of ensuring that teachers and schools are happy and the child’s needs not being prioritised. It is the Department of Education, not the Department of teachers and schools.

Regarding the principals’ forum, approximately 25% of national school principals share this concern. One might ask why the significant actors – the unions and management bodies – are not as exercised.

It should be borne in mind that they have competing priorities. The only priority for us is the educational outcomes for children with additional needs and that is why our voice needs to be central to this process.