Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a teacher myself, I recognise the importance of professional curriculum development and ECs. As Senator Norris said, this matter is about not losing corporate knowledge. Being out of a school for five years is an eternity in the education world. This is about ensuring that we continue to have upskilling, training, and professional curriculum development, which is an integral part of our education system. ECs play a key, pivotal role in driving change and in upskilling and professional development. I know first hand of the professionalism, attention to duty and care of those who work in the professional development unit and in our ECs. It is important to make the post of director of EC permanent for one reason only, which is corporate knowledge. It is difficult to return to the classroom when one has been in a management position as a director of education.