Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Part of the problem, as the article points out in The Irish Times, is that under section 29, more children with special needs attend Newpark Comprehensive School because they have taken section 29 cases, increasing the numbers there.

When the Minister amends section 29, which she has said she will do, will she insert regulations to ensure there is a balance in a particular area? It states in the article that Newpark wanted to keep its current balance and was trying to reduce the number of special needs children as a result, because it had taken in more than its fair share. When it tried to do so, section 29 appeals were used against it. Does the Minister agree there is a need to change the legislation or make regulations to address this serious issue which divides the education system?

If this is allowed to continue, it will be a very serious matter. The Minister's lecturing will not change things, unfortunately. It might do so if she was a teacher in a school but she is the Minister with responsibility for education. Schools will not change their ways perhaps unless they are forced to do so by either regulation or legislation.

See this speech in context