Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wonder what the Fianna Fáil approach to reform is. A former Fianna Fáil Minister has joined the fray and suggested that I completely roll over and accept what the teaching unions are saying. However, they are not the only partners in education.

It is not true to say that further CPD for English teachers has not been offered. It is available and our people are ready to provide it. The teaching unions have prevented teachers from availing of further training. We are putting the CPD on a website, so it will be available online if people wish to access it without having to go somewhere physically. We are doing everything possible to offer full training and support to teachers. We hope that they will take up this training. We have some evidence to the effect that individual teachers are anxious to proceed with the reform.

I am the Minister for Education and Skills and am responsible for policy. This matter has been debated for long enough. Reform was rightly initiated by my predecessor, Deputy Quinn, and I intend to implement it as soon as possible.

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