Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach has not really addressed the question I asked, which related to his activities on interfaith dialogue. I asked him to make a statement on the question of any meetings he has had with religious orders. The bottom line is that it is incomprehensible that the education situation, in so far as it applies to minority religions, would not be a core part of that dialogue. Has the Taoiseach met the Church of Ireland? Has he discussed the impact of the changing of the pupil-teacher ratio on small Church of Ireland and Presbyterian schools across the country? I refer particularly to the impact of such changes on their faith, which is the major issue in many communities across the country. I respectfully put it to the Taoiseach that if he continues to ignore those who are pleading with him to intervene to stop these targeted cuts, his credibility and that of the Government on the protection of religious diversity will be seriously undermined. It is a serious issue. Since the foundation of the State and the enactment of the Constitution, we have always sought to promote diversity and pluralism and to create space and opportunities for minority faiths to prosper and develop. There is no doubt that the attack on small rural schools and the policy as enunciated will have a detrimental impact on minority faith schools. That needs to be addressed by the Government. Has it formed part of the Government's discussions with the churches to date? Has the Government had a specific meeting with the Church of Ireland or other churches on the matter?

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