John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to listen to and consider the contributions of Senators on this very important topic. Like her, until recently I was a physical education teacher in a classroom in a secondary school so I would like to think I can bring something to this debate. For some of the time available to me I would like to concentrate on the logistics of operating physical education in the secondary school setting. I am heartened to see the reference in the Minister's document that pupils' physical education is a central part of their well-being and that it should form a significant component of timetable programmes upon returning to school. It goes on to state that teachers should choose learning experiences where pupils can work individually or in small groups, for example in their pods, with minimal equipment. While that makes a lot of sense on the face of it, it does not address the obvious question, which is how teachers and schools handle the changing room situation, particularly in the secondary school setting because, by their nature, changing rooms are constrained settings. If a situation arose whereby the pods or groups do not apply in the case of changing rooms, given that every student takes part in physical education, I would question their validity in their entirety in the school setting. I ask the Minister to focus on that area and ask her officials to address that particular concern.

I reiterate what other Senators said with regard to teachers who have specific health concerns. Is there specific leave available? What are the provisions being put in place for those teachers because clarity is needed by principals and boards of management?