Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I must follow the ruling of the Chair. I begin by acknowledging the breadth of input from everybody here in the Chamber and acknowledge the wisdom and experience that these Members bring here. I am a great believer in the co-operative and inclusive approach in education, particularly in how this roadmap was brought about. It was as a result of extensive consultation and engagement with the widest range of partners and stakeholders in education. I do not for one minute assume that there is a monopoly of wisdom when it comes to solving issues and I am very happy to engage with the Seanad on an ongoing basis. If I do not have the opportunity to answer all of the different issues raised by the Members today, I will most certainly speak to my officials and will engage with the Members on an ongoing basis in that respect, which is only fair and proper.

I appreciate that I have limited time and I will deal initially with some the points that have been raised. On protocols for parents, and given that guidance has been issued on protocols within our schools, protocols will also be issued to parents on what, when and how to do things when bringing children back into the system of education.When the roadmap was finally launched yesterday, all of the information was sent immediately into the schools. An email was also sent from me to the staff within the schools and indeed to the parents. I reiterate that the success of the roadmap will be based on the co-operative approach of everybody who engages with the school sector.

I will ask my officials to revert to the Members on the specific cases raised by them with regard to Coláiste Íosagáin and St. Paul's secondary school in Monasterevin.

I am very conscious of the sixth years of 2020. I acknowledge that there is anxiety among pupils who have finished fifth year and are going into sixth year about how they will face their exams. This is also the case for junior certificate students. Accommodation is being made for those students. The curriculum will not change - it cannot change at this stage - but the breadth of assessment of that curriculum will change. It would be very hard to determine what one teacher would teach at a particular time and another teacher would teach at another time. It is not possible to interfere with the curriculum, but the assessment will take into account some students' absence of engagement in the school process. This is the case for the leaving certificate, the leaving certificate applied, the junior certificate and all of the exams in that respect.

On the question of the inclusion of caretakers and secretaries in all of the benefits, this is most certainly the case. The package here is for the benefit of all who work in the school community. There is a provision of €14.7 million for caretakers, secretaries and SNAs who might have to exclude themselves because they have to cocoon, or whatever, in the same way as there is provision for the teaching staff.

The 120 posts for well-being were raised by Senators. A figure of 120 has been provided for because it would represent the restoration of the full guidance places so that full guidance services can be maintained. They were missing and have now been returned. They are there because there is a considerable focus at primary and secondary levels on well-being and on safely and happily reintegrating students into the school system. A considerable emphasis is being placed on well-being supports being made available to the entire school community. Many staff members may have particular anxieties about returning to the school system. That is also provided for.

On the minor works funds, there may be doubts about when the money will arrive. The money will automatically arrive into the school. It will be received on the basis of capitation grants and will be easily accessible. I am aware that work is under way in many places at the moment. It was previously done, and that will continue to be the case.

As to contacting parents and informing people, there are dedicated helplines and there is a strong element of communication in terms of advertising. A series of materials will be made available prior to children returning to school and parents or guardians bringing their children to school. For example, there will be short cartoon-like, age-appropriate videos for children. The website is now live to access information.

I will not get the opportunity to deal with all the Senators' points. If they want to raise their specific queries directly with my Department, I will ensure they get responses to them.

Senator Craughwell said that we cannot give a guarantee. There are no guarantees on anything at this point. However, I can guarantee that there is absolute determination and goodwill from all of the partners in education to ensure schools open fully and safely.

Specific schools were mentioned, including one in Kinsale. We might discuss that at another time. I am very familiar with the school in question.

Issues were raised with regard to the substitution panel. A substitution panel is being rolled out on a national basis because of the immense success of the six pilots that took place around the country. This success is acknowledged by the INTO and all of those involved in it. I have no doubts as to how successful that will be.It is there to ensure that when teachers are not available for any reason, their classes are not subdivided into other classes. It is in addition to the normal pool of substitutes available to principals in the primary sector.

SNA and caretaker voices were mentioned, and I assume we would include school secretaries too. I categorically want to say there has been intensive engagement between the Department and the union that represents SNAs, caretakers and school secretaries. I wish to confirm that I have also met that union. It is important that is abundantly clear because everyone who works in the education sector is of equal value. I want to underline that and it is my intention to continue that. I am afraid I have run out of time.