Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

To take up Deputy Thomas Byrne's point on cases where a parent does not agree with a decision on reduced timetables and it effectively becomes a suspension, there should be some intermediate step between this and a section 29 appeal. The decision should not have to go straight to a section 29 appeal where it would become confrontational. I do not know whether there is a role for education welfare officers. Senator Ruane mentioned advocates but maybe an education welfare officer could have a role in advocating for the child in such circumstances. I agree that some avenue other than a section 29 appeal must be available to parents who do not agree to a reduced timetable.