Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The issue of diversity is being addressed. For example, among the schools that have indicated an intention to open next year, applications have been made for five new Islamic schools. That is certainly more diverse than the current situation. The new patronage model was not announced 12 months ago; it was announced in February of this year. At the time, I announced the school would open under the new patronage model and that remains the plan. We are holding detailed discussions with County Dublin VEC, which is facilitating the matter. Given that it is new, issues naturally arise pertaining to employment and redeployment and we want to ensure the school is run in the same way as all other national schools. However, it will open in September 2008.

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