Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I have already stated, I will study the archbishop's speech, but I have not yet had a chance to do so. I already acknowledged in my first reply many of the things that Archbishop Martin has had to say on these issues, and I welcome them. There have been developments in the governance of our school system over time which have seen a much greater degree of parental representation and involvement in school management. This has not been a static process, as perhaps has been suggested. Various State models on patronage and school management have been brought forward, depending on different circumstances.

As chief patron of Catholic schools in the Dublin Archdiocese, the archbishop's openness to consider different governance structures has been refreshing. That openness is obviously still consistent with his aims on these matters. It is only on the basis of mutually respectful dialogue that progress will be made in this area. I emphasise once again that this is a matter than can be examined under church-State dialogue, and I will soon have an opportunity to meet with members of the Catholic hierarchy. Deputy Quinn seems to have a problem with that.

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