Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

As a parent and — in remote years — a teacher, I am very supportive of the Bill's provisions which bring parents more and more towards the centre of participation in the process. I have difficulty with the amendment for a couple of reasons. It is very difficult to define the role of "partnership". If one were to include the words "in a spirit of partnership", certain difficulties would arise in the process. Ultimately, a principal is responsible on a school campus. To promote in the process a spirit of partnership involving parents and special needs organisers as proposed in amendment No. 27 could lead to a blurring of roles and ultimate responsibility and accountability. While I am very supportive of the promotion of parental involvement and the rights of parents to have a say, be consulted and kept abreast of developments at all times, I consider the phrase "spirit of partnership" vague. It is not easily defined and could lead to difficulties in the process. The buck must stop somewhere. The Bill rightly and properly causes the buck to stop firmly and finally with the principal of a school in the educational campus situation.