Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It is incorrect to say that nothing has happened. There have been extensive negotiations with the churches over the past two years. They have been attempting to produce a model into which everyone fits. One cannot have dialogue based on the contents of the draft constitution unless everyone is involved.

Education issues are everyday issues concerning the churches' schools and communities and would be discussed between the various churches and the Department of Education and Science and would not be part of this process. The control of schools is an ongoing issue and is a problem for the majority churches, which have put it on the agenda because they do not have the personnel to undertake the work they did in the past. In many cases, they are examining changes and are engaged with the Minister of Education and Science on this matter.

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