Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Chair and all the witnesses for their opening statements. I was exasperated reading them and I think I am even more exasperated listening to the witnesses reading them this morning. I do not really know where to start but I might start with Mr. Christie. I questioned witnesses in here last week who were from the Department and I was told there was extensive engagement and communication. The witnesses' statements suggest the direct opposite of that. What is that gap? What are the Minister and the Department not getting that needs to be done to get this across the line? I read in one of the witnesses' statements that leaving certificate reform needed to take four years and we did not have four years. By the time we get these subjects reformed and in place, it will be time to start again or they will be outdated. What is it and what can we do? We cannot leave them sitting here and have extensive communication, dialogue and teacher training. What can teachers and unions do that is extra to get that training done? I am sorry; I wanted to put that to Mr. Christie but it really is a question for everyone.