Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, who, I can only imagine, was a both gifted and talented student himself. I acknowledge the long and dedicated work of a former Member of the Seanad and a personal friend of mine, Dr. Fidelma Healy Eames in this area of identifying and supporting gifted children and helping them to blossom. Her seminal work in this area, The Gifted Learner: How to Help, was a trailblazer and has been very important.

Gifted and talented students are a frequently overlooked, yet critical, component of our educational system. These students account for up to 10% of our population and attend every school in Ireland. Despite their potential, they are one of the most underserved and vulnerable cohorts in our schools today. According to research, gifted students who are not appropriately identified and nurtured can have serious mental health problems, such as depression, substance addiction and even suicidal ideation. This stark truth emphasises the significance of treating their needs seriously.

The Acting Chairman is a neighbour of mine. I am very proud that in Breifne College, Cavan, a wonderful scheme has long been ongoing to identify and support gifted children. The initiative, which is supported by the principal, Breege Reilly, and co-ordinated by a member of the teaching staff, Alma, has been very well received and featured on "Nationwide" recently. This is a testament to how Cavan, as usual, is ahead of the curve. The programme not only recognises the potential in these students but actively nurtures it. It is setting an example for what can be achieved with the appropriate support, and there is a need for a postholder and timetabling to support him or her in dealing with gifted children, which is one of my asks, for which Breifne College is the case in point.

Continuing professional development for teachers is critical in this regard, which is the second of my asks. Teachers are on the front line of recognising and supporting exceptional pupils, yet they may lack the necessary skills to identify them. They require extensive training to assist them in understanding and meeting the various needs of these pupils. This includes the capacity to detect underachieving gifted individuals, as well as those who are doubly exceptional, namely, brilliant students who might have a learning disability, such as dyslexia. These pupils frequently go undetected because their limitations obscure their skills. Nevertheless, with adequate training, teachers can learn to look past these barriers and help these youngsters thrive. Our system must ensure gifted children are neither forgotten nor overlooked. Many of these adolescents lose interest in school because they are not pushed or recognised for their ability. They require a curriculum that is not only accelerated but also rich in chances for practical application and creative expression.They require intellectual companions who share their interests, provide challenges and engage their natural curiosity. In that regard, I must compliment Dr. Colm O'Reilly and the team in DCU, where the Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland, CTYI, is based.

The OECD confirms the Irish situation in an international context. Our rate of gifted children is 10%, which is a very high percentage. Yet, ten in every 100 are at the moment not adequately catered for. Parents can play an important role as the champions and supporters of these children, and that is happening in Breifne College. We need to bridge the gap between these parents in the schools and have them involved in the programmes. That has to be part of the training of the teachers.

I am asking the Minister of Education to consider implementing a comprehensive, continuous professional development strategy that focuses on recognising, understanding and supporting gifted and talented kids. This should include teachers with a designated post of responsibility within schools to maintain continuity and focus on gifted education, as well as the resources and the time required for instructors to effectively engage with these pupils. By doing so, we can help our brilliant students reach their full potential and receive the education and assistance they deserve.

I look forward to the response by the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. I know he will be relaying the response from the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. It is critical that the Minister, Deputy Foley, knows this must be given priority.