Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's comments. A number of cases have been taken. A high-profile case taken by a member of the Traveller community was initially upheld by the Equality Tribunal before unfortunately being overturned by the High Court. There are some concerns about the operation in practice of the rule that gives one an automatic right to attend a school if one's father or mother attended that school. Under the regulations being considered, no more than 25% of places can be allocated in such a manner. The number of all-Irish post-primary schools in my constituency that can be accessed by students who wish to be educated through the medium of Irish is limited. If up to 25% of places in a school are reserved for students whose parents have previously attended that school, it could indirectly lead to discrimination against students who may wish to be educated through the medium of Irish. I look forward to discussing the heads of the Bill mentioned by the Minister. I hope he will take on board the concerns I have expressed, particularly as they relate to schools in built-up urban areas where access and choices could be very limited for students.

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