Ms Breda Corr:

The Deputy asked two questions about the report given to parents and the plan for transition. In our schools we sit down and it is almost like an individual education plan in deciding the plan to go back to school. It takes in what is to be done in week one, week two and week three, for example. Sometimes this happens because of a suspension and the pupil is being reintroduced to school. Sometimes a suspension is an alternative to getting extra resources. Sometimes people will take action under section 29 to see what comes out of it. We would certainly welcome data collection. We are saying it is fairly widespread, but we must confirm this and where it happens. It would be very useful to have the information as we would then all know where we stood. I am glad to hear of the supports people are hearing about and the right supports should be available at the right time. Sometimes the special needs assistant is seen as a support, but sometimes there must be behavioural support available or services such as occupational therapy. I am really looking forward to seeing the school inclusion model. I am very aware of what is being done as the personnel are located in the Kildare Education Centre. It is interesting as they are helping teachers to help the students. It is a very good model and I would love to see it rolled out throughout the country. I am also dying to see more training provided for schools. Some parents in our schools are aware that if there was a reduced timetable, they could move to a section 29 scenario. Sometimes that is the way they go because they know that is from where additional resources will come. That is not right as they should be given and people should not have to fight for them.