Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I agree that we are lucky to have a tremendous teaching profession. I am fortunate that my job allows me to witness the idealism of which Senator Ryan spoke on almost a daily basis. This morning I spent some time in Kilbarrack at a summer camp for seven to 11 year olds and the enthusiasm and interest of the teachers in each child was evident. Teachers want to give the best possible service to the children they teach, including those with special needs. It is vital that we address the issue of inservice training and training within the teacher training colleges because education changes quickly as we become aware of the changing practices regarding conditions such as autism and other learning difficulties. I understand there is a commitment in the Department of Education and Service to provide further funding for teacher training, which is another acknowledgement of the important work that teachers are doing and an attempt to assist them in that work.

Regarding amendment No. 7, I do not see how the national council for special education could ensure that adequate training and professional development for teachers in the area of special needs would be provided because teaching standards are not the remit of the council but rather a policy matter for the Minister. However, the council will be free to advise on this and its perspective will enrich the Minister's decision. It is also a matter for the teaching council when it is established as it will have responsibility for accrediting teacher educational programmes and reviewing the standards of knowledge, skill and competence required for teaching practice. The national council for special education will have a function to liaise with the teaching council on this matter even though the issue of teaching qualifications and standards is not directly within the remit of the former. It is primarily a function of the teaching council and therefore the provision of this amendment is inappropriate. The concerns represented in the amendment are being addressed.