David Norris (Independent)

Through the Chair, I will address my point to the Minister. While the point raised by Senator Moran is an extremely good and important one, it is from the perspective of the teacher. I am approaching the provision from the point of view of its value and benefit to the child. Consequently, Senator Moran has not actually answered my question, although perhaps the Minister will do so. I suggest children would be better off with a teacher who is qualified, even if he or she is not registered for some reason, like the case of Senator Moran herself, who obviously is a good teacher. She has taught me a certain amount in the brief time we have spent together in Seanad Éireann. Senator Moran is a classic example of a qualified teacher who, by oversight or overwork or through the passage of time, can be left unregistered. Such a person is completely qualified and there is nothing malicious or wrong in this lack of registration. One should not deprive children of that qualification simply because registration has lapsed. It is a technicality; it is a bureaucracy. If such teachers re-register or give a pledge to so do, why not let the children have the benefit of a qualified teacher? Is a qualified teacher not better than an unqualified teacher? In circumstances in which it is possible, should children not have the benefit of such a qualified teacher if there is no other inhibiting or negative aspect?