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

I accept that Educate Together is very expansive in the context of what it does. I am of the view, however, that the other patrons are equally expansive and forward-looking. Therefore, I tend to place them all on the same footing.

If another organisation had sought to be established as a patron at second level, I would still have had to consider the legal framework - a process I have now completed - in the same way I was obliged to do in respect of Educate Together. The legal framework has been examined and our work in respect of it is complete. It is just a matter of my bringing the matter before Cabinet.

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