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

I accept Deputy Funchion feels torn in two directions. Given that our schools are 95% religiously owned and that many people want to raise their children in their faith, we have to respect that diversity and gradually continue to expand diversity. That is what I am seeking to do through the transfer of patronage, through new schools, by changing admissions policies and by having better rules to protect a child who does not want to be involved in religious expression in school. That is the direction of travel. I am of the view that this is a fair and balanced response.

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