Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

A couple of points arise from what the Minister stated. First, she said at one stage that the partners in education were consulted about these proposed amendments. I received an e-mail from Fionnuala Kilfeather of the National Parents' Council-Primary, which indicates that it was not consulted. While this may be a misunderstanding, the e-mail ends by stating that the Minister, under legislation, is required to review the operation of appeal in section 29 of the Education Act 1998 in consultation with the partners in education and that this consultation did not take place. It is a serious matter if that consultation did not take place. Perhaps it is a misunderstanding.

While we are speaking predominantly about secondary schools, a particular consideration is that children are also expelled from primary schools. Statistics I received on section 29 appeals show there were 12 expulsions from primary schools in 2005 and seven up to the end of November 2006. We must be particularly concerned about the effect of expulsions from primary schools on young children.

My other question relates to what Deputy Gogarty said. What happens in cases where the school does not inform the National Educational Welfare Board? Is the onus then on the parents to find out their rights in that regard? In some of these cases, the parents would not be well informed. I want to ensure that the National Educational Welfare Board is always informed because schools are not proactive in that area. I am still concerned that these children will be left with no school to attend. There is a strong onus on us to ensure that we cater for their educational needs in this legislation.

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