I agree with the principle enunciated by the last speaker, that there must be a complete separation between church and State. It is timely and would be right and proper. From the 18thto the 20thcentury, there were schools where Christian Brothers, nuns and religious orders did a fantastic job to educate whole generations of people who would not have been able to have been educated otherwise. I wish to acknowledge the tremendous sacrifice and work, and the good things that many of those people did. Clearly there were very bad things done as well but I think the good outweighed the bad. I very much recognise that. However, that Ireland is no longer there. Ireland today is represented by multiculturalism. All children, regardless of religion, colour or race, whatever they are, they are entitled to go to the nearest school, provided it has the capacity in terms of space. Children are entitled through their parents to be educated in terms of their religion or belief system. It is very important that this is separated completely and it would be a good and healthy thing for our society. The changes that have taken place in Ireland have been magnified by the vote this week. It is universally acknowledged that we have to be aware that no child can be made to feel less important or different because of his or her religion, colour or ethnic background. That is greatly important in a modern democracy and a true republic. All children are equal and in education they must be treated as such. I support the views that have been expressed.

See this item in context