Seanad debates

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

10:30 am

Photo of Eileen FlynnEileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----how our mainstream education system is built for a particular kind of pupil, who is mainly white, settled and middle-class, and that so much is taken for granted about their ability to participate. I also know the important role teachers play in listening to and caring for students and the value extra resources can provide in helping children reach their full potential and feel connected.

I have spoken and listened to the voices of people and NGOs across Ireland ahead of today's debate about the need to ensure that reopening our schools is done in a meaningful way that gives everyone an equal chance. There is a common thread to what I heard that would make all the difference for young children seeking asylum, children from a migrant background, Traveller children, children living in homelessness accommodation, and children who have a learning disability such as autism and dyslexia. What is clear is that children experience poverty racism. They come from poor communities, do not have appropriate accommodation, or any accommodation, and often get left behind in normal times, never mind during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regarding class sizes, there are too few supports, and not enough homework or after-school facilities play a part in making education too difficult. That, in turn, has a direct impact on children's experience, their ability to stay in school and the level of their achievement. That has nothing to do with their intelligence or their ability. It is all about rejection, neglect or damage by the school system itself.

Since March, I have been hearing about children who could not complete their work at home due to not having laptops, an Internet connection and a safe place to call home or a place in which they could study. There are children right now who are living on sites without Portaloos and in overcrowded accommodation who do not have access to any privacy. If we are serious about creating the conditions in which all children are able to have equal access to schooling again, there are issues that need to be addressed. We need extra special needs assistants and resource hours; a programme of after-school, out-of-school and homework supports; and an education plan for every child diagnosed with a learning difficulty that takes into account his or her unique needs such as living conditions and accommodation.

Every school needs to be clear on the diverse needs of their students. They must stop treating them as if every student is the same. The starting point should be access to technology supports at home, awareness of the way racism is making life very difficult for them, and the impact poverty is having on their ability to be able to participate in education. Schools can work with children and their families to ensure they believe they are being heard and understood, proud of who they are and the community to which they belong.

Some Traveller families are getting no support during this time because many parents cannot read or write and do not have any support at home. As Martin Luther King said, we should have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirit. Last but not least, yes, we are facing a huge challenge in trying to reopen schools in the face of Covid-19 but I also see this as an opportunity to fix what has been broken in our education system for far too long. I look forward to staying involved and being a voice for communities that have been let down by mainstream education. Together we can and must do better. While I have the Minister, my colleague, Senator Hoey, referred to the Traveller History and Culture in Education Bill. The former Minister, Deputy McHugh, was in favour of the Bill and campaigned for it. We look forward to working with the Minister, Deputy Foley in the future and hope she will be equally supportive of the Bill.

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