Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We have to be careful about how we go about this. This point has been challenged by individual families representing their individual children. I think the committee should ask the NCSE a question. The NCSE set the entry criteria for people to become a SENO. Given that the new circular is out and will, we believe, be implemented, are SENOs professionally qualified and legally entitled to interpret and, on occasion, dismiss reports by educational psychologists? In particular, do they have equal or even superior qualifications? Unless I have totally misunderstood all professional life and the QQI qualifications, in the professional world the only way that someone can dismiss a report is if they are of equal or higher professional standing. That is how it works in healthcare. We have all been to the GP who will refer us on to a consultant or maybe a surgeon. There is no gatekeeper at the door saying, "Sorry, you cannot get in here." The committee should ask that question. It probably needs to be carefully worded.