Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many of the minority schools at primary level are small and isolated schools. The Minister announced some improvements to the staffing schedule for small schools for the 2015-16 school year in February. They are improved retention thresholds for second, third and fourth-class teachers and the improved appointment and retention thresholds for isolated one-teacher schools, which are a source of considerable pressure from a number of communities. Those improvements recognise the challenges faced by very small schools that are more than 8 km from the nearest school of the same type. That package of measures will provide rural communities, including those representing minority religions, with security about the future of their small schools, for which they are very grateful, recognising the essential social function small schools can play, particularly in isolated communities.

Deputy Martin mentioned a number of groups with which I met. I met with the Islamic community. We discussed the question of the law on blasphemy. It referred to the great value placed on religion in Ireland and indicated the Islamic community's support for the protection afforded in Article 46.1 of the Constitution which provides for the offence of blasphemy. I noted that the recommendation by the Convention on the Constitution that the offence of blasphemy be removed from the Constitution had been accepted by the Government. It had already been decided that this referendum would not be held during the lifetime of this Government but if the people return the current Government to power after the next election, the referendum will go ahead or whatever Government is returned can make its own mind up on that. If the question goes to a referendum, it will then be a matter for the people.

We also discussed the question of establishing a sharia council. By that, the Islamic community meant a council that would deal with issues of family law and domestic challenges. It said it would benefit the community as it would save time and money for those who submit to its rulings instead of taking grievances to court. An official council could provide clarity as to which imam to attend for guidance. There are imams in different locations around the country. I pointed out that the Islamic community did not need the State's blessing to establish a sharia council. Freedom of religion provided for in the Constitution would permit its establishment. This does not negate the fact that the laws of the State apply to all its citizens. I drew a parallel with divorce and the Catholic Church whereby divorce is recognised by the laws of the State but not by the laws of the Church and this was a rule Catholics could choose to adhere to. We discussed forced marriages, the wearing of the hijab and community and cultural aspects relating to the Islamic community.

Deputy Martin also mentioned Atheist Ireland. It discussed a secular Constitution, laws and practices, a secular education system, the constitutional and human rights of atheists and the philosophy and aims of Atheist Ireland. I met with the Jewish community which discussed the religious rights and practices of the community. We also discussed anti-Semitism which was of great interest to the members present.

See this speech in context