Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We could consider this issue further. I understand the admissions policy will improve the position in that it will clarify the matter by requiring schools to set out their policy. If a schools policy were discriminatory, parents could pursue the matter through equal status legislation and they would also have redress through the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, which could investigate individual complaints concerning the actions of a recognised school. There are, therefore, procedures in place to address this issue.

The issue of ensuring religious instruction respects constitutional rights is one that is worthy of attention and I will examine it. A great deal is being done in this area. A Private Members' Bill on this issue will be tabled later and I intend to publish legislation on school admissions. I plan to take a very active approach to this issue. The priority will be to develop a range of schools in order that parents can have their children educated in the ethos of their choosing.

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