Dr. Rosalyn Tamming:

I am not aware of the specifics of that school, but in general, I know the Department of Education and Youth and the NCSE take this issue very seriously and are trying to monitor not only suspension but reduced school days and are trying to put guidance in place around it. The Deputy is completely right. Behaviours that challenge are often communication mechanisms and that communication is not understood or properly regulated or whatever. There are behavioural therapies around that. The cultural change is about understanding that, and teachers and SNAs being trained to support children and help regulate them in order that they can stay in school. I agree that an approach to inclusive education does not involve suspending children. It is about embracing children and supporting them to be able to be included in school and to participate and take part. We are on a journey of cultural change around this and we are obviously not there yet.