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

Perhaps the Deputy is deliberately choosing not to hear what I am saying, but the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is commencing a review of the very programme the Deputy is talking about. It took over responsibility in 2012 and is commencing a review of that programme. I support the change in practice whereby children in most community national schools remain intact as a group and all religions are considered in a common programme. That is a good evolution of the programme which will fulfil more parents' wishes. I am keen to see more such schools evolve. It will be one element in our promotion of diversity. I am committed to seeing more diversity in schools and this is one such element. I welcome the work of the NCCA and the way in which it has evolved itself.

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