Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Siri does not agree. Siri does not have a vote. We discussed this matter on Second Stage.

It is an important amendment. The point was perhaps misunderstood, so to clarify, there should be no toleration of canvassing or interference. There has to be a clear message to everyone, including students, parents and anyone connected with a student, that teachers and school staff are off limits, and that they should not seek to put them under any pressure. I am thinking of teachers living in our communities, especially smaller rural areas, where they could be going to the same shops as the students and parents, and might be involved in the GAA team, the soccer or such. Under no circumstances should it be considered acceptable that they be put under any pressure, implication or anything of the kind. It is important that teachers are protected from that. I believe and am hopeful that there will not be many instances. I hope that there will not be any instances of this kind of behaviour over the course of the next few weeks and months because I hope and believe that students understand that teachers and school staff are under significant pressure in this process too. The point of this amendment is not in any way to undermine that but to ensure that those who are responsible for bad behaviour carry the burden of it.

It is far from inconceivable that a parent or somebody connected to a student could canvass or lobby a teacher or a member of school staff on behalf of a student without the student's knowledge. I do not believe that that is difficult to conceive of at all. In such circumstances, where that can be demonstrated, I believe it would not be fair on students for the sanction to be the withholding of their grades, given the implications it has for their career and for their access to third level education. A substantial fine for the person who is responsible would be more appropriate, which I have provided for in this amendment. In the instance that somebody challenged the Department or the State Examinations Commission in court on the basis of grades being withheld for actions that the person was not party to, responsible for or did not have any hand, act or part in, I think the State Examinations Commission or the Department would be on thin ground. I urge the Minister to make alternative provisions. There have to be significant sanctions but they should apply to the person who is responsible.

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