Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

If ever there was a kick to touch, that was it. This application has been on the Minister's desk since December 2007. We have been getting replies stating that it is under consideration for 14 months. If the Minister does not want to do it, he should say so. I believe, however, that he is in breach of the law because the Education Act recognises Educate Together as a legitimate partner in education and the Act makes no distinction between primary and post-primary education. In excess of 10,000 children attend Educate Together primary schools but the Government is clearly attempting to frustrate the right of their parents to have the model of education they want.

See this speech in context