Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire ar ais go dtí an Seanad. Molaim é as an obair mhór atá á dhéanamh aige mar Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna. Tá mé ag smaoineamh go háirithe ar an méid reachtaíochta atá tugtha isteach aige. Tháinig an chuid is mó de anseo ar dtús. In particular, I wish the Minister every success in his work on the new junior cycle and the timely implementation of that programme, since he mentioned it in his statement. I realise the Minister has given increased resources in for in-service days. Anyone doing English will now get a total of 16 in-service days, a very welcome development.

The Teaching Council is a very important body. I am glad that I am a registered member of the Teaching Council. I am proud to be a member. I can go anywhere in the world with that membership card and get recognition. I was particularly careful to renew my registration when the Seanad was under threat.