Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Is it not the case that the public perception is that the Catholic Church is causing the problem by denying access and that the Department is facilitating the emergence of such a perception? Is it not the case that the policy of Catholic-run schools nationally is to give priority to children within catchment areas established on a parish basis? Is it not the case, therefore, that the real issue is capacity? There has been a severe lack of planning by the Department to provide places on an annual basis. It is not just a Dublin issue, but a national one.

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