Ms Mary Cregg:

Returning to some of the other issues, Tusla's educational welfare service has a role in supporting school attendance. As Mr. Kelly mentioned, the educational welfare officers are available to support parents. Regarding the date on section 29, perhaps we can follow up on that and respond in more detail to the committee. On the extra field in the primary online database, POD, it is important to look at where school attendance data are returned to Tusla. Turning to the guidelines required, the first thing we need to do is look at the existing evidence, whether that is section 29 appeals, school returns mechanisms or the inspectors' evaluations. We will be working closely with Tusla on this. The second thing we need to do concerning these guidelines that would be put in place is to include the sort of elements referred to here. Aspects to be considered would be that those guidelines would be time limited, based on international best practice and subject to a review process being put in place. The important aspect is the notification to Tusla so that it is in a position to monitor situations where reduced timetables are being put in place. That will also form part of the guidelines that we will issue.