Ms Deirdre Shanley:

Regarding staffing allocation, there is an independent appeals board which will take account of any additional students, such as those who may not have been in a school for a year and who then come back the following year. That process will be in place as well for the returns for this year. In the context of the cut-off date of 30 September, the Department will also be conscious of the unique nature of this year and of any schools having difficulty because of students who remain out. As the Minister stated, however, we will be supporting a full return to school for all children.