Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Contrary to the Deputy's opinion, I argue that the Minister has exhibited strong political leadership in implementing a reform that has been 25 years in the waiting. I recall that the leader of one of the unions concerned said in a statement a few months ago, "We have waited 25 years, what's another year?" I do not believe children, in particular those entering post primary education this year, can wait any longer for this reform.

The precursor to any serious engagement on any issue of this nature is that both parties make their views known, preferably in writing. While the Minister's views on the issue have been known for some months, we are still awaiting written submissions from the two unions at the heart of this challenge and opportunity. They have yet to make submissions on how they would like this reform to be implemented and have not as yet taken up the Minister's invitation to meet him. He has continually stated his door is open, but the unions have yet to walk through that door. Until they do, we cannot move on.

See this speech in context