Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will go back to section 29 appeals. I take on board Mr. Malone's analysis that these are cumbersome and nobody likes them. Parents do not like them. The Department does not even like them. However, the reality is they are useful as well. In 2012, there were 355 section 29 appeals. Some 141 of those were resolved, and I presume that was through the mediation process. Only 66 appeals were upheld. Therefore, 147 appeals of decisions in terms of enrolment were not upheld. In 2010 and 2011, the comparable figures were 171 and 121, respectively. In that regard, one of the big issues is that while section 29 appeals are cumbersome and time-consuming, there is a value to them. What is being proposed in the heads of the Bill in terms of getting rid of that appeals mechanism is not best practice and it is something that the Department needs to look at.

I still have not heard how we would enhance the process. Apart from the mediation that Ms Reid O'Doherty outlined, I still have not heard any concrete proposals on how we can enhance the process. As a principal, has Mr. Malone any ideas on how we can enhance it? There is a value to it.