Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Conveniently, the Minister's statistics did not tell us the percentage of this year's programme it is proposed to spend in fee paying schools. When did the policy change for both the Government and her own party? Does the Minister recall that her predecessor was considering the abolition of the payment of teachers' salaries in fee paying schools? Fine Gael certainly would not countenance such a measure but the Minister has been questioned on this issue previously in the House. Can the Minister recall her predecessor stating that the building programme would be "up the creek" if fee paying schools were to be included? It appears they are now being included to a significant degree. In light of this, will such schools take all children from a relevant catchment area regardless of their capacity to pay fees or not?

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