Dr. Niall Muldoon:

To respond to Deputy Thomas Byrne, I reiterate that reduced timetables should be a last resort, used only in exceptional circumstances. As Mr. Harris noted, there has been a history of "don't ask, don't tell" and, therefore, we have not collected the information. We must remember that in its inspections, the school inspectorate only asks whether reduced timetables are used in special schools or DEIS schools, which suggests the presence of discrimination. Why is it not asked of every school? Anecdotally, I know that some principals use reduced timetables to force children out of school, which has a psychological impact. It affects all schools, although it may not be as widespread in some.

Resources and training are very important. We must recognise that special school principals are responsible for children from four to 18 years of age. Even though the schools are classed as primary level, their principals deal with children throughout that age range. We must give them the special resources they need in those circumstances. From our point of view, we have received a minimal number of complaints on the issue because there has never been a formal opportunity for parents to complain, but provision for that will have to be made in the new system.