Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome that the Minister has moved the issue in this direction, as the appeals system is important. If one clarifies the factors involved before expelling a student or placing him or her on long-term suspension, one introduces new methods, namely, the national support system the Minister intends to introduce to the classroom.

After ensuring co-ordination and teamwork, we are in the lap of the gods. Some students cannot be contained in the classroom. I hope alternatives are in place when a school reaches that decision, namely, Youthreach for those over 15 years of age, another youth programme for those who are younger or some measure that would allow a student to continue his or her education. Many students have ADHD and, from my experience of dealing with such students, they cannot be contained in classrooms. They are not team players and cannot structure themselves in a classroom setting. It would not be fair to the majority. The core of the Bill is to look after the majority while getting the balance right to protect those who cannot be contained in the classroom. The Minister has got the matter right and I hope it will work after implementation.