Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Kelly for the clarification that a reduced timetable should be considered to be a suspension and recorded as such. It is the first time we have received that clarification.

Further to Deputy Jan O'Sullivan's question about data, it seems clear that the Department has not been collecting data for reduced timetables. Why are they not collected?

At our meeting two weeks ago we were advised about the lack of availability of home tuition for children on a reduced timetable and that they were missing out. Could home tuition be made available in those cases? The submissions we have received today and two weeks ago highlight the need for a multidisciplinary and cross-professional approach to the care of children at risk who are on reduced timetables. I am interested in hearing comments on that issue. I know that Ms Cregg in her submission indicated that representations had been made to the Department. Deputy Thomas Byrne also raised that issue. Why have those recommendations not been implemented? It is very useful to know that the NCSE is undertaking a pilot project, but I am conscious that it is only for children with special needs and that other groups are also isolated and excluded. Could a pilot scheme be introduced to address the needs of other children who are excluded?