Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the extent of Ms Prendeville's answer. I disagree that the NCSE cannot ask because of data protection. It is essential that the NCSE asks so that there can be proper planning for children.

I welcome that Our Lady of Hope School was opened by the two Ministers.

I acknowledge the ongoing incredible work by the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan. I also acknowledge her drive. She works very closely with the NCSE. I question this being a board of management decision. I believe we need a greater sense of intervention. I know of a case where a board of management filled in a report stating that it did not have capacity and when it was checked out, it actually had capacity for a special class. The decision was overturned once the NCSE intervened and once we had the on-site inspection team. The kindest word I can use to describe boards of management is "conservative". Other terms I could use would be "prejudice" and "downright bias" towards discrimination on occasion. We need to root that out firmly. I thank the witnesses for coming.