Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. This is an issue that probably proves the law of unintended consequences. When the Equal Status Act was initially being proposed, it was seen at the time that this section would protect minority faith schools and ensure that they would be able to continue and not lose their ethos. There has been a reverse effect in that the majority of faith schools are using it as a way of restricting access to the schools. The Minister referred to legislation on school admissions policy. Surely that can address this issue. Specifically, when does the Minister propose to bring forward that legislation so that it can be discussed? What contact does the Minister's Department have with the Department of Justice and Equality with regard to this section of the Equal Status Act, the impact it has had and the potential unconstitutionality of it?

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