Sr. Marie Céline Clegg:

We have had the benefit today of hearing an account of how the common application system operates and all the values and benefits that go with it. If it is being considered as a very possible option, it should be examined very carefully. There are many difficulties associated with it that did not emerge today. It is not that they were being hidden but that we have not had the opportunity to examine this in great detail. It is quite possible to have a common application system and yet have soft barriers and a level of non-inclusion. I appeal to the committee to bear that in mind.

A second point that I regret has not arisen today, perhaps because time is limited, concerns the implications for the role of the principal under the emerging legislation. I am not sure how many people have experience of direct contact with principals at present but the level to which this has the potential to add yet more to their workload is unbelievable.

With regard to the requirement that schools be inclusive, if the legislation that emerges emphasises the underpinning of principals, I would go fully with that. The level of micro-managing, to which I referred, is still an issue. I recommend to the committee that it examine this very carefully as it will have implications for everybody throughout the system.

I appeal that the requirement to be inclusive be balanced with clear recognition of the right of a patron to run a particular type of school, both in the Constitution and in the various EU instruments that have been mentioned today, and the right of parents to choose a particular kind of school. I ask that we focus on the balance of rights. The danger is focusing on a particular right while forgetting the overall fabric.

In examining the emerging legislation against the background of everything that has been heard today, we should consider its workability in real terms in order we will not emerge with a sledge-hammer arrangement.

I used the word "sledge-hammer" deliberately in my initial statement because it would worry me hugely if we did something for all the right reasons but, unfortunately, the outcome does not benefit anyone throughout the system if it is overladen with an overly directive approach. I thank the committee for the opportunity to appear and to engage with the other witnesses.