Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I was curious to read today about apparent opposition from some in the Taoiseach's party and in Fine Gael about the prospect of expanding parental choice in education. I very much welcomed the proposals from the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to create more multidenominational schools in Ireland. The Labour Party has always stood for increased choice in schooling. I have campaigned successfully in my own communities for new multidenominational schools. The former Minister, Ruairí Quinn, really led on seeking to expand parental choice. Yet, 90% of primary schools in this country still have a Catholic ethos. This is out of step with the changing dynamic in Irish society. The majority of teachers favour separating church and education. We know that many more parents now are choosing to send their children to multidenominational schools. It is, therefore, rather surprising to see what is a positive proposal from the Minister, Deputy McEntee, being described apparently as woke and bizarre in a critical sense - anonymously it must be said - by some of her colleagues in government. It seems that, as with marriage equality and repeal, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs are often out of step with the national mood. Does the Taoiseach have any comment to make on this?

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