Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, I recently published the draft general scheme of the education (admission to schools) Bill 2013, as well as draft regulations for discussion ahead of enacting legislation. As these proposals have been published in draft form, they will be subject to a great deal of detailed scrutiny before becoming law. I have referred the draft proposals to the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection to allow a full and comprehensive public discussion of the proposed legislative framework, including inputs from parents, education partners and other stakeholders. I hope the committee will give the draft proposals early consideration so we can proceed to the next stage of legislation as soon as possible. I will reflect carefully on the views expressed in the consultation process to ensure they strike the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.

See this speech in context