Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Social Democrats for bringing forward this motion. Sinn Féin has a long-standing policy on choice and diversification within our education system. We reaffirmed that position in our 2024 general election manifesto and I do so again now. Children have a right to an education in a school that matches their and their family’s values.

Sinn Féin firmly believes in the provision of high-quality inclusive education for all, which includes a range of school patronage models. Currently, over 90% of Irish primary schools operate under religious patronage while, at the same time, access to multidenominational schools remains extremely inadequate. Previous commitments to deliver 400 multidenominational schools by 2030 were a step in the right direction but progress has been glacial and the current programme for Government drops that target altogether.

This in and of itself is very concerning. In my opinion it does not in any way reflect a lack of interest or demand from parents and communities. The opposite is the case. Instead, it reflects a failure of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to prioritise the needs of parents and children seeking alternative educational environments. It is clear that the current situation created by the Government and its lack of political will towards this matter undermines parental choice. Therefore, we call on the Government to recommit to the target of 400 multidenominational schools by 2030.

We acknowledge the Government's intention to conduct a survey on parental preferences regarding school ethos. However, we urge the Minister to expedite this process and ensure its findings are acted upon swiftly. Furthermore, we believe the Government must address the systemic issues hindering patronage investment. The lack of transparency, community engagement and clear mechanisms for the change are unacceptable. Schools wishing to reconfigure should not face financial disincentives or logistical hurdles. The survey must happen soon. The Government's countermotion and parliamentary replies to me on the matter do not inspire confidence in this regard. We need concrete commitments and timelines. The survey must be confidential and it must be comprehensive. When the survey is ready to go, it must be accompanied by an information campaign for parents and school communities.

We need movement in this regard because it is clear the school reconfiguration for diversity process has failed. A tiny number of schools have been transferred from religious to multidenominational patronage since 2013. The reconfiguration process as it stands lacks ambition. It lacks transparency and it lacks any real power to compel change. Patron bodies have no obligation to co-operate and communities and parents are left in the dark. The Minister should establish a clear process for school patronage change and it needs to be adequately resourced. I do not see the need for a large budget for this but there is a definite need for financial support to help with the transition.

Equality in education means that all students should have the same opportunity to succeed. This includes equal access to resources, fair treatment and a supportive environment. It is not right, fair or proper that children are left to feel isolated or excluded when faith formation or sacrament preparation is going on, for example in a Catholic school when a child is not Catholic. I say this as my party's spokesperson on education and as a father whose children are Catholic and attend a Catholic school. It is not fair that their friends are hived off into a corner during the school day. I understand there are constraints, challenges and conveniences for some in the existing system, and speaking for myself, we have to look at the system as a whole as a public service for the public good and at treating children fairly.

I thank the Social Democrats for bringing forward this motion. I have to say the Minister's countermotion is completely lacking in ambition or impetus. For this reason, Sinn Féin will not be supporting it.

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