Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment and wish him the very best of luck.

I am delighted to be here. I have worked for decades in the areas of education and youth work. I have worked at every level of the education system, from early years through primary and secondary levels, I taught at third level and I have just completed a doctorate. I would love to see the committee tackle the issues that exist. We have an excellent education system but there are things we could do better. These include, for example, DEIS schools and educational disadvantage. I can go into this at a deeper level later.

There is also the issue Deputy Coppinger raised regarding special education. This is possibly our burning issue. I would also like a discussion on the school completion programme. There are many issues with the school completion programme, including how it feeds into the new attendance initiatives. There is also the issue of multidenominational schools and parental choice in this country.

I am looking forward to working with everyone in a collegiate way. This is a very important committee because the formation of every part of us as a human is our education. It feeds into every other part of our society. I am really looking forward to working on the committee and welcome the opportunity to do so.