Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Hanlon just mentioned the word "consent" and suggested that these reduced school days are based on consent. I can honestly tell him right now that according to the majority of people I know - many of these children happen to be members of the Traveller community with additional needs - there is no permission involved. The parents are very worried and are told that the child is put on the reduced timetable and that is basically it. I can get evidence for Mr. Hanlon. I can ask parents to come in who would be willing to speak to him at a private meeting to discuss the fact that they are just being told that their children are being put on a reduced timetable. I would not like to engage in a back-and-forward debate. I am just saying that this is what I know, whereas Mr. Hanlon is saying how it should be. For me, to have that information is so important.