Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

It is important that we recognise the difference that exists between church and State, but as a Government we also recognise that the law will take its course for any bishop or archbishop who colluded in any way or who was responsible in any way for ensuring that the truth did not manifest itself. The Garda will investigate and those people will be brought before the courts.

In terms of patronage, it is important that we understand exactly what happens. In many instances bishops are patrons of schools. They appoint two nominees and there are two parents' nominees. The principal teacher of the school is on the board of management and there are two further nominees. It would not be tolerated that the outstanding people across the country who are acting as members of boards of management would in any way be involved with the archbishops or anyone who broke the law. The current management of schools is working exceptionally well. The patron is in place in terms of ethos but has nothing to do with the overall management of schools. That is the responsibility of the board of management.

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