Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements made to date for the forum or conference on the issue of governance for the primary school sector which she announced at the Irish National Teachers Organisation conference would take place in summer 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13415/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The rapid pace of social and demographic change in Ireland is reflected in a radically altered and more diverse society from which our school communities are drawn. The vast majority of primary schools are, and will continue to be, Catholic in ethos. They have historically welcomed pupils from all backgrounds and still do. More recently, other models of patronage have emerged which have widened the range of choice available to parents. As the school system evolves, we must ensure that all our schools reflect and fully represent the communities in which they are based.

In that context, it is important that we develop a common vision of how existing and new models of patronage can collectively respond to future diverse demands for primary education. The new multi-faith community national school model that is to be piloted next September aims to meet a need for plurality of provision within the framework of the single-school setting.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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On a point of order, I tabled a succinct question on the Order Paper. A lecture on the changing nature of society is——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister is entitled to two minutes in which to make her reply.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Minister is wasting time.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister is entitled to two minutes for her reply.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I would not be holding a forum if there had not been a change in context.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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We know there has been such a change. We are seeking details.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is important to place the relevant information on the record and I am entitled to do so.

The new model can provide a valuable new option in ensuring that our school system is responsive to future parental choice. In ensuring that the range of patronage models, new and existing, collectively achieve this, it is important to build on ongoing dialogue with the education partners in encouraging a wider public discussion of the issues involved. In that regard, I recently announced my intention to host a conference on the governance challenge for future primary education needs in late June. I can confirm that the conference will be held on 27 June at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. I have been working with my officials in considering the practical arrangements involved. Detailed arrangements for the conference will be made public.

The conference to which I refer will facilitate all stakeholders in considering together the implications for the primary education system of the changing shape of Irish society. Discussions will focus on the particular challenges of ethos and inclusion for patron bodies, under both the existing patronage models and the new patronage model to be piloted in three community national schools this September. The conference will consider the long-term challenges of organising and developing our system of school governance to accommodate new parental demands and aspirations. It will also deal with issues of capacity, choice, ensuring inclusion and the implications for enrolment policies. I look forward to engaging collectively with stakeholders on these important issues that will shape the future of our primary education system.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Will the stakeholders include representatives of Opposition parties?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Of course. They are more than welcome to attend. The relevant date is 27 June.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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All the work will be done in one half day.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Will it be a one-day conference?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The initial aim is to have a one-day conference. People referred to having an ongoing forum. In the past, various fora have discussed various topics for weeks and months. I cannot say that these fora have ever actually delivered anything other than——

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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What about the New Ireland Forum or the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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They were part of a bigger process.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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This is a very big process.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, but what is significant in this instance is that the conference will obviously involve a number of key presentations as well as workshops. It will allow people, including parents, to listen to each other. A key element to assisting our discussions will be the working through of the new patron model, which will be up and running in September. At that stage, we will be able to see — from the perspective of parents, teachers, principals, patrons and local communities — how the model is working. That will feed in to our discussion on this matter.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Will it be a forum or a conference?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It will be a conference.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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So it is less than a forum. In order that time will not be wasted, will the Minister request that stakeholders circulate their papers in advance in order that we do not waste time listening to material we have already heard but that we will have an opportunity to digest such material and be in a position to ask pertinent questions? If this is not done, the exercise will not be as productive as might otherwise be the case.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The key speakers will be invited to circulate their papers. One aspect of the value of this process is that it will allow people to listen to the points being put forward by other groups. Officials of my Department and I have met the various representatives and there are also bilateral arrangements in place. In the context of the ongoing structured dialogue involving the State and the churches, education is always one of the key issues. Any one of us could probably outline what each of the individual patron bodies, the teachers, the INTO, the principals or the parents have to say on this matter. However, it is really important that each group should listen to what the others have to say.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Of how many hours duration will be conference be?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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We are still working through that. Asking people to circulate their papers is a good idea. The conference will not take place until 27 June. I had intended holding it earlier but it was decided to hold the forthcoming referendum on the original date selected. There is ample time in which to organise the conference. All of the bodies are anxious to participate and we will ask them to circulate their papers.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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What does the Minister hope to get out of it?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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How many questions is the Deputy entitled to ask?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There is no limit on the number of questions he may ask so long as he poses them within the time that has been allocated.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Excellent.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Minister has let the cat out of the bag.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is important that we should engage in this ongoing dialogue, rather than just having people sitting around at a forum. It is hoped that all of the different groups will realise what their counterparts, particularly the patron bodies, envisage for the future of education in this country.

We must consider a number of key areas. There is, for example, the issue of choice for parents. However, choice cannot be contemplated without there also being the capacity to deliver. That balance must be considered as part of the argument.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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What does the Minister hope to get out of it?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We must proceed to the next question. The time for this question has expired.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of enrolment policies must also be examined.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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What does the Minister hope to get out of it?

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The enrolment policies of some groups run contrary to those of others.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We must proceed to Question No. 66.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Another issue that must be examined is that relating to the teaching of religion. I hope that——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I have called Question No. 66 and we must proceed to it.