Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming back to us. It is important that we acknowledge that learnings will be taken from the initial pilot scheme, which only the delivered three out of 60 schools. In certain locations there is a desire to divest, but we must also acknowledge that in other locations people do not want to divest. They should not be bullied into divesting by people who have a particular narrative or agenda of their own. It would be helpful if the Minister could confirm that there is good engagement with the key stakeholders in this area. It would also be helpful if she could outline what her plans are in terms of learning from the lessons of the pilot scheme that has just concluded. She might also indicate how she is going to move that forward into the future to ensure that in the locations where there is a desire for divestment, it can happen and that in locations where there is no desire for divestment and where the desire is to maintain the status quo, those students and the choice made by their parents will be equally respected.

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