Ms Cliodhna O'Neill:

To add to that, the commitment in the programme for Government around this issue was to ensure robust data collection and also that reduced timetables are only used in a limited, appropriate and necessary manner. We have taken action in respect of that. We published the guidelines for schools, which came into effect in January 2022. Since then, we have been able to publish the data for the first time. It means we are able to track and to follow up with the schools, which the inspectorate does. We contact the schools to ensure the reduced school days are only being used in accordance with the guidelines. The primary objective must be that the best interests of the child are used here. Because we have new guidance and are doing the follow up, we are seeing better use. We hope we will continue to see appropriate use of restricted timetables, along with the streamlining of the notification process. It also allows us to consider individual case management, where necessary, with, for example, the National Council for Special Education, Tusla and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, within the Department.

Another thing that has been important has been informing Traveller parents of their rights in respect of this. We had an enormous amount of assistance and support from the Traveller community in developing materials for Traveller parents about reduced school days. They kindly participated in making videos with us and checked the materials that were being developed for parents. They are helping to get the message out so that parents understand the purpose of reduced school days, what they are for and what they are not for, so they are better able to advocate at school level and ensure the best interests of the child are being followed.