Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have had an interesting discussion. It is a question of how to recognise the constitutional right of people to their religious affiliations or none. In effect, the Labour Party's proposal is to use the Citizens' Assembly model to have a discussion based on a representative sample, as was done successfully in respect of marriage equality and repealing the eighth amendment. This is an important issue for communities, schools and institutions.

I agree with Deputy Shortall about the Educate Together model, which started approximately 40 years ago in the Dalkey School Project in Dublin when there was less diversity. In fairness to some of the Deputies who have contributed, they do not represent constituencies that have the level of diversity seen in Dublin West, where 30% of the population have parents who were not born in Ireland or were not born in Ireland themselves.

I want to tell the Minister something that might also cheer up Deputy Michael Collins. At a school opening a week ago, the Taoiseach effectively promised an increase in the capitation in the budget. He did not write that down, but he certainly said it to many people.

We need a national discussion on this matter and to find a mechanism that is inclusive of different desires. A school with 30 religions and 70 or 80 nationalities is the reality in certain areas of Dublin West. In fairness, Catholic parish schools have been very inclusive down the years, but whether people of the Catholic faith are open and inclusive towards people of other faiths or none - they are - is not the issue. Rather, there are practical arrangements to be considered. I would like to hear the Minister's view on whether a Citizens' Assembly model should be used to address the sensitive issue of how to get the balance right between the various expressions. Just as there are religious sectarians, there can be sectarian atheists.

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