David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I will be very brief as I have to go to another meeting. I thank the officials for being here this morning. I picked up a really sincere approach to this issue. I thank them for that. I support the Vice Chair in what he said with regard to after-school activities and even in-school activities with respect to sport, art, music and so forth in schools, which are all so crucial.

On the issue of restricted timetables, reduced hours, limited days and so forth, has the Department any statistics on the level of suspensions and expulsions with respect to Traveller children? I believe I am correct in saying that any suspensions and expulsions have to be reported to the Department so that it has an overview of how many children are suspended or expelled from schools at any one time.

I know the reduced timetable is one area from the past. Mr. Hanlon mentioned the issue of punishment. I agree with him fully that it should not be used for that purpose. In the past, however, it probably was taken to be a reason for taking that action taken. However, what is used very often for punishment is suspension or expulsion. That whole area needs to be possibly tidied up as well. I am interested to know whether there are any statistics in that area.