We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

School admissions religious criteria

Summary

Deputy Byrne questioned the Government's plan for religious criteria in school admissions and whether the proposals would ever reach legislation. The Tánaiste said the Minister was clear, committee stage had begun on the relevant legislation, and consultation with the Attorney General was normal.

Perhaps the Tánaiste could set out in more detail the Government's proposals for the religious criteria relating to school admissions. While the Minister for Educational and Skills, Deputy Bruton, has set out - in little detail - his preferred solution, he has said that there is a lot of work to do on the proposals with the Attorney General. What is the reality of these proposals if the Minister has simply given a policy preference that has not been worked on by the Attorney General? What are the chances that the proposals will ever appear in legislation? I do not recall any other situation where a Government Minister has come forward with a policy that, as he admits himself, must be worked on by the Attorney General. It is extraordinarily strange to do this on such a major issue. Will the Tánaiste outline if there is any practical reality of legislation being introduced in this area?

Comment on this

The Minister has been extremely clear on this measure. I understand that Committee Stage proceedings in respect of the relevant legislation took place yesterday. Ongoing consultation with the Attorney General on an issue such as this would not be unusual.

Comment on this