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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

School admissions and baptism barrier

Summary

Richard Boyd Barrett argued that the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill should remove the baptism barrier in full and reflect the referendum result. The Education Minister defended the Bill as balanced and respectful of school diversity; Regina Doherty interjected that children could attend another school.

Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Thirteen Members have indicated. I ask all of them to be focused in their questions.

Comment on this

When we met outside the Citywest count centre and the scale of the "Yes" result had become apparent, I told the Taoiseach that the next step would be the separation of church and State. He said we would leave that issue for another day. This is another day. In fact, notwithstanding suggestions about the Citizens' Assembly examining these matters, the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 will be before the Dáil today. Amendments to it seek the deletion in full, not in part, of the baptism barrier that allows for discrimination in school entry on religious grounds. Other amendments seek to ensure religious instruction is given after school hours in order that people of no faith or minority faiths will not be subjected to moral or religious indoctrination that is not of their choice. The referendum's exit poll tells us what the key issue for 62% of people was, namely, choice. There has been much debate on the motive - choice was the motive. People do not wish to be told what to do with their lives, futures and kids.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

The Taoiseach, please.

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In line with the referendum result and its own commitment to diversity, the Government should accept the amendments this week.

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Richard Bruton Minister for Education and Skills Fine Gael

The Bill will be debated in the Chamber. We have had detailed consultation on it and the proposal is based on that considerable discussion. We value the diversity in the system which includes Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and, of course, Catholic schools. However, that does not mean that an admissions policy should exclude someone unfairly from access to his or her local school. Our proposal is balanced, respects the desire for diversity and meets parents' needs. We must also respect those who choose a religious education for their children. If one respects choice, that is one such choice.

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What if people do not share a school's faith?

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They can go to a different school.

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