Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the principle behind what Senator Ruane is trying to achieve.The Senator used the phrase "generational change" and I will add "cultural change" in the context of education. I am not sure that we need to provide the legislative footing for it. In recognition of the world we now inhabit, we have embarked upon gargantuan change in education from this time last year up to now, whereby accredited grades have been accepted and we have delivered an opportunity which is different for students from what had been the case hitherto. I fundamentally believe, and I made the point earlier, that the Minister's legacy will be a positive one in many ways if we embrace the opportunity to bring meaningful change in education. Who would have thought that, in 2021, blended learning and accredited grades would be accepted, although maybe begrudgingly because of what was foisted upon u? We have moved from oral and aural, we have brought in practicals and we have changed maths at foundation and other levels. The Minister spoke about the Citizens’ Assembly. In the context of the legislative review, she can bring change in terms of educational progression and empowerment, and I hope she will do that.