Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If the Deputy allows me to finish. Equally so, the first term was 25% longer than the present term so there is no cut. I refute that absolutely 100%. The provision of PPE is as it should be and we have always said if there was more required, it would be given.

On serial testing, on foot of public health recommendations, if that is required, we will follow public health advice. On vaccination, we made representations that our school communities would be part of that. We have made further representation and there is discussion on that.

Finally, on the Deputy's assertion that there was no consultation and a rushed plan in relation to Thursday, I say to him that was on foot of intensive discussion and negotiation. It was also as a result of agreement at the stakeholder meeting. To illustrate it was a shared objective, this day last week the Irish National Teachers' Organisation general secretary, John Boyle, said he believed that every single school in Ireland would be opening their doors late in the following week for children with additional needs. It was a shared objective and there was nothing rushed about it.

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