Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I thank the Deputies for their considered views on the issue. All education stakeholders throughout the land would look with empathy on this case. There is sense of empathy for the girl given the manner in which she was treated. This example is an aberration in the system. A decision was taken by one school. The system and its stakeholders, by its nature, is empathetic and deals positively with people in all sorts of circumstances.

I take the points made about the need for greater co-ordination at departmental level. That is something that could be worked through the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. Perhaps an initiative could arise out of those meetings that have taken place.

The Minister has made it very clear that discrimination of this nature is unacceptable. We would all agree with that position and I restate it.

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