Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not rule out Deputy Gilmore's suggestion, although I need to put it to the Minister for Education and Science, who deals with this on a weekly basis. All of the non-confessional organisations, faith communities and churches have set out their positions now and for the next few years. We have discussed this with the Department of Education and Science and incorporated it into the process. There is an educational forum within the Department in which dialogue is conducted directly with the trade unions and the patron bodies, although this may need to be extended. Thus, a forum exists in which these discussions can take place. However, I will put the point to the Minister.

There is close liaison between the various bodies and the process is a demanding one because it is new. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is something that did not exist five years ago, but it is now a substantial part of the work of the Department. The issue is whether the forum in the Department, which deals directly with the patron bodies and the trade unions, needs to be extended and I will put the Deputy's point to the Minister.

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