Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
56. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the use of reduced timetables may leave the State open to legal challenges; his plans to address the underlying issues which lead to the use of reduced timetables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49510/18]
View answerThe position of my Department is that all pupils who are enrolled in a school should attend school for the full day, unless exempted from doing so for exceptional circumstances, such as medical reasons.
Reduced timetables should not be used as a behavioual management technique, or as a de facto suspension or expulsion.
Where schools apply a shorter school day in relation to a child, such arrangements should only be put in place in exceptional circumstances in order to assist a pupil to return to a school, where a pupil has been experiencing an absence due to a medical or behavioural related condition.
Any such arrangement should be a transitionary arrangement, which is designed to assist the reintegration of a pupil to a school environment.
In making any such arrangements, school authorities should be mindful of the best interests of the child and of the child's right to a full day in school. Schools should seek the advice of NEPS before implementing such arrangements.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is engaging with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and TUSLA Educational Welfare Service on the matter of reduced timetables, with a view to examining options which can be taken to address the issues raised.
