Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

My interest in this matter, and that of the Labour Party, is not to disrupt the day job of schools or the delivery of quality education in the classroom. It is, however, to reflect the frustration felt by parents in many built-up areas that they can no longer get their children into schools of their choice of ethos. This is because of overcrowding and the schools, for the first time, having to ration places on the basis of baptismal certificates and household bills.

I welcome the Minister's reply but will he agree that with rapid growth in the population we do not have the time for the normal speedy response of the Department of Education and Science? Will he agree that a convention with all stakeholders would fast-track this necessary exercise? I welcome the Minister's commitment in principle, and the commitment evinced by the Catholic bishops, that in a built-up area like my own constituency, for example, they are open to provide for diversity where growth is solid but not excessive and at the same time meet the needs of children and their parents.

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