Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I am not sure whether the Minister for Education and Skills is due to come before the House to discuss any particular business in the immediate future. In that context, I request that the Leader arrange for him to appear before us to inform us of his plans with regard to the establishment of institutes of education. It appears the Minister has ordered a review of teacher education and today's edition of The Irish Times reports that this is expected to back the establishment of institutes of education. It is obvious, therefore, that somebody in the media is being briefed as to what is going to be the likely outcome. I am of the view that it would be appropriate for the Minister to come here in order to hear the opinions of Senators on this matter. In general it would be a good idea if we would have centres of excellence in teacher training. There is an interesting debate to be had about whether such centres of excellence should combine teacher training for pre-primary, primary and secondary level and whether it is necessary or appropriate that all teacher training should be provided within particular institutes. What we could agree on easily is the need for diversity. There has been much talk about the divestment of schools and there has also been the forum on patronage and pluralism. There is also talk about the status of stand-alone schools. It is clear we are looking at a future in which there will be much more diversity of identity, style and characteristic spirit in our schools. What would be most important, therefore, is that we would have a plurality of types of teacher training rather than looking at some stand-alone, one-size-fits-all State model which should be avoided. That is a very important point that will need to be made. I hope we would have the opportunity to debate it with the Minister here.

One critical issue that applies to schools is the issue of bullying. Bullying for whatever motive or of whatever kind needs to be stamped out in every school. I welcome the intervention yesterday of Mr. Jeremy Prince, father of the late Phoebe Prince, who as we know killed herself as a result of severe bullying in the US in 2010, and encourage the work of the National Anti-Bullying Coalition. This should form the basis for a debate in this House.

I commend the Taoiseach for the very open approach he took in consulting with the various parties and groups in this House about the proposed constitutional convention. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl raised a question in the other House as to what is happening with and what precise timetable there will be for the convention. It would be useful if we would hear from the Government on this. As there are so many diverse issues proposed to be considered by this convention, it is probably the case that we should ensure we vary Members partaking in the convention on an issue-to-issue basis. It is important that whatever issue is discussed this House would set the standard for the diversity of viewpoints and ideals being represented on the constitutional convention, especially as it is not clear how the non-parliamentary members of the convention are going to be chosen or whether there is any particular way to ensure diversity in their choosing.