Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to have achieved agreement on how this section should be amended. Mr. Andrew Geary and officials in the Department of Education and Skills have put a great deal of work into this. This amendment takes a practical approach to meeting the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children within the education system, including supports in classrooms. Interpretation centres and other supports will be captured by the amendment as well. The training of teachers, standards and qualifications are addressed by the amendment.

Speaking as a former teacher, I support this amendment. Historically, we have not achieved high standards for deaf children in schools. In this context, early education is important, especially at preschool and primary school levels where we need to give children a lift early in life. If the amendment is accepted, it will provide a great educational support for deaf children and their families. It is an important amendment and I am delighted that officials from the Department of Education and Skills put a great deal of work into it.