Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree there is reluctance on the Government's part. Obviously the Constitution bestows rights on parents and religious denominations involved in education. This is not simply an issue for teachers or stakeholders but is a wider public societal issue. Archbishop Martin stated: "Education is too important an issue for it to be left just to teachers, or just to the Department of Education, or just to one or other political or religious grouping." He noted that a solution based on the polemics of the moment is less likely to be successful than one which involves constructive reflection. We need constructive reflection on how to proceed with an issue that entails societal and social change to be managed over time. As the Deputy observed, 92% of schools are under the patronage of the Catholic church. Moreover, approximately 87% of the population claim Catholic origins or are of Catholic faith or whatever.

This is not an issue about which there has been no movement thus far. As I noted, the opening up of various models of school governance already is in place and several changes and initiatives have been brought forward and are in place at present. As I noted in my reply, the Department intends to have further discussions with Archbishop Martin on his views and to take its position from there, after which the Minister will report to the Government on the matter.

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