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

I am quite happy to assess what has taken place. Section 29 appeals are entirely independent. There is an independent group appointed to hear appeals. There are procedures surrounding them. I understand there is a 45 day period within which an appeal has to be lodged. If it is lodged within the appeal period and there is a concocted reason, the appeal board will scrutinise it and will have the power to direct. From memory, I think 40% of appeals are upheld.

The Bill provides that Tusla, educational welfare services, will receive a power to require a school to admit a child who is out of school. That is one of the powers we are granting to Tusla, just as we are granting to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, the power to require a school to take a child with special educational needs. There are defences offered by schools that are upheld by an appeals committee, as well as those that are rejected. Without knowing the exact circumstances, I cannot comment on the case referred to. Unfortunately, there are always procedures and time limits. There will be procedures set out in the new arrangement. I will check with my officials where the 45 day limit came from and to see whether parents need to be alerted to it. I will certainly get back to the Deputy on the matter.

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