Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a key part of it and it is important. Another aspect focuses on additional teacher training. This poses challenges for the Department in respect of how we will resource it. Additional funding must be found to enable teachers to upskill. It will require rethinking on the part of the Minister. Some criticism has been levelled at the Department, correctly, in respect of some of the proposals that disincentivise teachers from upskilling. I refer to the pay differences of new teachers coming in, which has an impact on teacher morale. There is a challenge for the Department, the Minister and all of us. We have collective responsibility to address it.

A previous speaker referred to concerns about history and geography. We need to take on board such concerns.

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