Dáil debates

Wednesday, 10 June 2020

July Education Programme: Statements

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There always will be individual examples and cases. In the main, since 12 March schools have stayed connected and have not closed. While school buildings have closed, the education has not closed. Parents of children with special needs have seen ongoing engagement, be it the SNAs or principals staying in touch. Maybe that did not happen in all cases but in the main, that is the feedback we have received. The physical presence in the school is what has been missing and that is why we want to reconnect. We feel that this measure is a stepping stone for a lot of children who potentially have regressed. It is also an opportunity for parents to acknowledge assistance. One parent to whom I spoke this morning could not praise the SNA highly enough in terms of providing an ongoing connection. The measure is about reconnection. Yes, we need to be mindful of any gaps or teachers who need support because while we all have come through this pandemic, some of us have been affected in a more negative way than others, especially those who have lost loved ones.

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