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

First, the response of the ASTI, despite the fact that there was a rejection by the majority of its members who voted, has been measured in so far as it has indicated that it may be clarification that is required. There may be issues on which its members need more information and I would prefer to give it the space to give them that clarification.

Having said that, it would be unfair on everybody else who is supportive of moving forward if we were to stall the process, and we have already commenced the process for students of English. My response is the correct one in the circumstances, that we will move forward. We will provide the continuing professional development, CPD, for those who are willing to come and have it, and it will be by way of whole school, subject specific seminars, seminars for school leaders, teacher-led CPD, school visits and online resources. There is a variety of ways in which teachers can access that CPD. I hope the ASTI will find that the clarification we are able to give will assist it in terms of dealing with the issue.

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