Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their constructive, sincere and heartfelt contributions to this debate. I enjoyed being here through Second and Committee Stages recently and today on Report and Final Stages. The generosity of spirit displayed by Senators on all sides raised the level of debate above the usual party political one, which was very important given the essence of the discussion.

I assure Senators that the issues raised here today in a broader sense, in regard to teacher training and age by Senators Ulick Burke and Cox respectively, will be addressed carefully. Senator Cox referred to the disability Bill and the issues she raised today will be addressed in that Bill. I thank the Acting Chairman and the other Senators who have served as Acting Chairmen throughout this debate. I also thank the officials from the Department of Education and Science for their tremendous assistance and consistency in helping with all the work which is done not only on this Bill, but on every aspect of education. Today, I thank them specifically for piloting this Bill.

As the Leader will know, one cannot always state it, but this was a thoroughly enjoyable debate because we all felt it was pushing through legislation which would be of immediate help to many young people in need of such assistance.