Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Minister will be surprised to hear me say, "Well done, Minister". I welcome that the task force has been set up and I hope the timeframes will be adhered to while acknowledging they are tight. What issues will be examined? A number of alternatives to regular schooling have been set up in various parts of the country for children who have difficulty in settling in to regular school. Approximately 1,000 children drop out and do not go on to second level schools. The Minister of State, Deputy de Valera, who is present, will be aware of one such school in County Clare. These alternatives to regular schooling are scattered throughout various parts of the country, some of which work well and others which do not. Will that issue be examined by the task force?

Does the Minister envisage amending the legislation, although it may be too early to say at this stage? Obviously there are conflicting rights — the rights of the children who have difficulties in schools, the rights of the other children in the schools, the rights of teachers and so on. Will this require amending legislation?

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