Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach mentioned in his reply that his discussions with church leaders have included a consideration of issues to do with Northern Ireland and education. In the context of what happened at mother and baby homes and state-run institutions, it is interesting that Northern Ireland has been very slow and behind the curve in responding to these issues. I understand an inquiry is taking place into industrial-type schools in the North, but the Executive and others have been refusing for some time, as I understand, to deal with the mother and baby home issue. A range of NGOs and other organisations in Northern Ireland have been pushing these issues but, for some reason, the political world has not responded. In the context of the Taoiseach's discussions with the churches, has there been reference to this difference of pace in how these issues are being dealt with North and South? In this State we have had a whole variety of inquiries into church-run institutions and examinations of diocesan stewardship in the context of incidences of child abuse. The Ryan Commission, for example, was established back in 1999. On the other hand, it has taken many years for Northern Ireland politicians of all persuasions to engage on these issues, which is reflected in the degree of resistance I understand there has been to an inquiry into mother and baby homes in the North. I would appreciate the Taoiseach's thoughts on this issue and whether he has discussed it with the church leaders.

In regard to education matters, we all understand the importance of education to minority faiths. At primary school level, the position of small schools - those with two, three or four teachers - is a vital issue for the Church of Ireland and Presbyterian churches, particularly along the Border and in rural areas, as well as in some urban areas. These churches remain very concerned about the impact on their faith of policy decisions on pupil-teacher ratios for small schools. Did the Taoiseach discuss this issue with the church leaders? In addition, second level Church of Ireland schools are equally concerned about the impact of the changes in pupil-teacher ratios for fee-paying schools.

Some have had to wind up or change their status. This is in the context of preserving their faith and the entitlement of parents to have their children educated in a particular faith. In particular in the Church of Ireland, the Protestant and the Presbyterian arena, there is a very strong linkage in their world between education and the preservation and continuation of their faith and they are very concerned about unintended consequences of policy and about the impact of these policies on their capacity in this regard. I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach could indicate whether those issues were discussed because I am sure we would agree that religious diversity is most important in the educational world.

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