Sr. Marie Céline Clegg:

A number of these issues are very closely related. The principle of diversity, diverse provision, parental choice and the right of a patron to run a particular kind of school all are running through the various issues that have been mentioned today. I was glad to hear the Chairman mention that voluntary Catholic secondary schools are noted for the level of their inclusion. In an ideal situation, there would be no problem were we, within this country, to have denominational, multidenominational and non-denominational provision in every area. However, that is unrealistic in terms of resources and there then is a question of a parent having the right to access what is his or her choice, even if it means travel to another area. However, I also worry regarding the kind of reference to the effect that if a school is coming from the Catholic perspective, there is little or no respect for those of other faiths and none. The evidence is there is a high level of respect for those coming into a Catholic school who come either from other faiths or none. However, as I mentioned in our own submission and again today in the brief introduction, we are talking about a balancing of rights. I believe it would be agreed that only in countries in which there is a completely non-democratic regime does one not have a recognition of the rights of faith schools to exist in the public space and to be funded. Consequently, in terms of section 7(3)(c) of the Equal Status Act 2000, it certainly presents problems in situations in which there is a stand-alone school. I believe this to be particularly true in the context of primary schools. However, as for the possibility in a given area that if there is a Catholic school, and no other Catholic school is available to parents who want a Catholic school, there is considerable pressure on that Catholic school to give preference to those of Catholic denomination. I am sure this also is true of other denominations but I just happen to be coming from the Catholic perspective, because I am coming today from the Loreto Education Trust.