Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am not aware of a letter but I am aware of a consultation and ongoing work. The prima facie of much of this issue has been in establishing the diversity of needs and wishes of the parents that in certain circumstances, those with particular faiths wish their children to be taught within school hours as opposed to outside them.

The Deputy asked me to pursue another issue, which I will, in the context of the statutory basis for these schools. I do not have a copy of a letter sent from the advisory group. I am advised that it is progressing the development of the programme which I alluded to, Goodness Me - Goodness You, with a view to providing religious education or faith formation within the schools.

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