Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

As Deputy Finian McGrath is well aware, the architecture of teaching has changed. We must focus on the delivery of good education by qualified teachers. That is why professional development and in-service training is important. We must not use the recession as a means to dilute that. I challenge the Ministers in the Department to come up with an adventurous and ambitious plan for the professional development of teachers.

Under the leadership of school management and in tandem with the boards of management, principals, VECS, teachers and parents, there is a requirement on us to examine the education system. Perhaps it is time we had another Green Paper or White Paper on education. I commend the Bill.

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