Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills for her reply, but her response is somewhat inadequate as we approach the completion of first decade in the 21st century. This is a republic. Articles 42o and 44o of the Constitution provide for education. We have moved a long way from 1930. People are entitled to the right of conscience. The provision of education supported by the State is to be welcomed. However, I note from a reply to a question I got from the Minister on 1 June that the State is providing in the order of €50 million a year to the five teacher training colleges. Since the colleges have opened the door, will the Minister push it wide open and secure it, and request, by way of a formal letter, the colleges that are in receipt of €50 million of taxpayers' money to explicitly provide a freedom of conscience option? The Minister should request the colleges which are in receipt of €50 million of taxpayers' money to provide an explicit freedom of conscience option for their teacher training pupils so that if they wish to exercise it they do not have to seek permission but can simply avail of what is provided.

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