Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I know. Then there is no dispute about that. What has been emerging in recent years is demand for greater diversity. The priority must continue to be the provision of places with the provision of diversity as the second priority. Increasingly, newer schools, which are largely being provided in developing areas, are multidenominational. To accommodate the needs of the new Ireland and new communities, we have decided, with Government agreement, to put forward a new patronage model that will be implemented in September 2008. The new model will involve multi-faith schools in which all religions will be taught as well as welcomed and facilitated.

We will open one school under the new model, after which we will be able to consider ways to expand this type of provision. The new model will not represent a substitute or replacement for existing schools, but it will accommodate the new Ireland.

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