Ms Sarah O'Connell:

No. A big problem is that to our knowledge the Department of Education does not seem to have informed schools or given any direction to them on how to manage this. What we see is that some children are unable to attend school at all, while others can do so on a part-time basis. Some schools are using the reduced hours scheme to deal with children who are attending part-time. I have been informed by Tusla and the Department of Education that this is not an appropriate use of the scheme. In one case, I have a parent who has provided proof of diagnosis and letters from doctors clearly stating that the child is unfit to attend except for two to three days per week depending on how they feel. However, the school is requesting updated letters from the doctor every couple of weeks. It is just not feasible.