Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of section 29 is that it looks at the whole case de novo. It is not part of a bureaucratic process whereby the parents may feel they have been through the board and the principal only to get the same response. This is an entirely fresh look at the issues by fresh eyes. Those making the decision have access to the NCSE evidence and look at whether the decision of the school was justified given the circumstances. They bear in mind the guidelines that are supposed to be applied sensitively for children with special needs and we now have this alternative. I am happy to discuss this and if there are improvements we can make, I am more than pleased to make them. I think the improvements that are outlined here will make it easier for parents.

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