School non-attendance and reply
Senator Keogan raised the issue of 30 children in her area not attending school since September, prompting a brief exchange on language and concern. The Leader then replied to earlier points, including Coillte pensioners and the young boy attacked by a dog.
When there are 30 children in my area who have not been in school since September I think we do have a problem.
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I ask the Senator to allow the Leader to speak without interruption, please.
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We need to be conscious of the language we use and if we are really concerned-----
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-----that should show in our language. That is all I am saying. We can continue to have grown-up conversations about it.
Senator Kyne asked me to send a letter to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to Coillte pensioners. I will do so today.
As I noted already, Senator Malcolm Byrne began by talking about the little boy who we hope will recover very soon.