Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am conscious of the increase in the population size and its cultural diversity. We need to have an approach that is adaptable to ensure primary school provision. Although the figure of 200 in the west Dublin area is overstated, I accept there is an issue in the area. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is working on a resolution.

Whereas, we have a situation of having historical education providers, in recent years new providers have come forward such as Educate Together, Gaelscoileanna and the two Muslim schools. I will always aim to ensure school provision, the accommodation of difference and diversity and tolerance across the system. I am open to new methods of achieving this, not only in providing numbers but also patronage with proper structures and boards of management to ensure quality.

See this speech in context