Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. There has been much recent debate in the print media, on the airwaves and in other public fora in respect of the patronage of primary and second level schools. It is unfortunate that the public commentary has not always been balanced. Today's debate is essential and has been constructive thus far. It is timely given the significant changes we have witnessed in our society in recent decades. As a result of the rapid pace of social and demographic change, we have a radically altered and far more diverse society from which school communities are drawn. This benefits young learners because it breaks down barriers, prejudices, attitudes and stigmas.

I concur with Deputy Quinn's view on the dreadful term "non-national". I do not know what is the origin of the word. We are all born somewhere and we are all going somewhere. "Newcomer" is a much more welcoming and inclusive term. When young children enter the playground at the start of their primary education, they do not regard themselves or others as different. Religion is not an issue and the school is viewed as a community in which parents, who are the primary educators, teachers, the board of management and patrons work together for one purpose only, namely, the educational benefit of the children entrusted to their care. This is a major responsibility on schools.

The majority of schools are still under the patronage of the Catholic Church. I recognise the role Catholic schools have played in the provision of education. They have been to the forefront of the educational system and have played a prominent role in welcoming children from diverse backgrounds. The challenge for these schools in future will be the need to change the composition of schooling.

Ireland has a history of diversity in education, one which reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of learners and recognises that the education system must be responsive and dynamic if we are to meet the challenges of rapid regional and global change. The debate on plurality of patronage often overlooks the fact that the State has for a long time provided a multidenominational alternative to denominational schools at second level. The community national school at primary level is a new model. As it is in transition, it will get certain things right and others wrong and will make whatever changes are required. The new model is being piloted in two schools under the County Dublin Vocational Educational Committee.

VECs have a proven track record, with more than 80 years experience in the management of second level schools. The committees are democratic in the purest sense, consisting of elected public representatives and representatives of all relevant stakeholders. They operate an open, transparent and accountable model of corporate governance. I am aware that the Irish Vocational Education Association and Educate Together were in negotiations during which common ground was found. I ask that these talks resume to further explore a model for the future.

Parents want choice. I am upset when I hear of cases of people queueing for two or three days to get their children into school or, as in the case of a person to whom I spoke recently, put the names of their newborn children on waiting lists for a primary school place.

Parents want schools in which their children will be safe. I am particularly mindful of this given that it is the anniversary of the publication of the Ryan report. Parents also want schools in which the standard of teaching and learning is high. While I agree with Deputies Brian Hayes and Ruairí Quinn that patronage is important, many of the parents to whom I speak are not obsessed with the issue. In recognising the importance of patronage we must, however, continue to focus on the quality of teaching and learning. Our children are given only one chance and we must ensure that they have an opportunity to avail of a positive learning experience and reach their full potential.

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