Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. The vast majority of boards of management are dependent on voluntary efforts. That is crucial to their operations and dealing with the increasing pressures placed on boards in carrying out their role in recent times. The key point Deputy Daly raised involves accountability in cases where parents are not in agreement. That is a difficulty and I would be interested in any comments witnesses have on ways to improve matters. They all work on a daily basis in the area and have experience of the vast majority of cases which work well. What is their experience of cases that are difficult? Are there proposals which could assist in that, particularly from the management bodies that are with us today? Mr. Fennelly in particular seemed slightly sceptical about the parents' charter and what it would mean. I am interested in the views of witnesses from outside the Department on the charter, how it could be helpful and what it might involve in order to assist.