Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

One can make one's own case. One in four appeals has been upheld. Many cases - 40% of suspensions and 20% of expulsions - are resolved before they go outside the school. I wish to speak about the system that is in place. If a better or more efficient system were available, I would consider it. It is important to examine the structure of the appeals process. One makes one's appeal to the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science, who establishes an independent committee, comprising an inspector from the Department and two other experienced people, to adjudicate on one's case. As this is a time-bound process. the committee has a specific limit on the amount of time it has to make a decision. The costs associated with the process are minimal. Generally speaking, we have to give parents the right of independent appeal. As it is happening in the health and social welfare systems, it has to happen in the education system.

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