Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

Just over three weeks ago a cohort of junior infants started school in north County Dublin. The patron of the school has no legal entitlement to act in that capacity, thus unnecessarily exposing the parents, teachers and children to risk. On the Order Paper there is a requirement, under the Department of Education and Science, to bring forward the education (patronage) Bill. I read with some concern that publication of that Bill is expected in 2009. It is a one line amendment Bill. I can give the Taoiseach a copy of one this afternoon, if he so wishes and is so bereft of legislation. It is extraordinary that the Bill is expected in 2009 when it was understood for over a year that the north Dublin County Council VEC would be the patron for the school. Can we bring forward this legislation?

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