A government amendment which allows schools to expel pupils without having to make alternative arrangements for them has been criticised by the Labour Party spokesman on education, Mr Michael D. Higgins.
The amendment to the Education Welfare Bill has been tabled by the Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods, and will be taken on Tuesday when the Joint Committee on Education and Science meets.
Mr Higgins said the amendment was a "crude reaction" based on the assumption that school discipline and the rights of the child could not be accommodated together.
"The Government's amendment is an erosion of one of the most important elements of the original Bill. The controversial measures will allow schools to back out of their responsibilities to children with special education needs," he said.
Expelling pupils could have long-term and potentially devastating implications for the future livelihood of any young person.
Dr Woods's amendment will place the responsibility of finding another school for the expelled pupil with an education welfare officer. Mr Higgins said these officers were not yet appointed and so the amendment was unworkable.