Dáil debates
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Priority Questions
School Patronage
3:00 am
Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Community; Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the Irish Human Rights Commission's discussion paper on education and religion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46338/10]
Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The discussion paper on education and religion was published by the Irish Human Rights Commission, an independent statutory body, on 27 November last. It has sought views and comments on the issues from individuals or organisations by the end of next January. When it has had an opportunity to consider any such comments or views, it will submit a report to the Government.
In advance of consideration of that report by, in the first instance, the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills and, subsequently, by the Government, the Deputy will appreciate that comment by me would not be appropriate. I encourage members of the public and organisations with an interest in these matters to make their views known to the commission.
Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Has the Minister of State had discussions with the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills on this matter?
Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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No. It is appropriate the Irish Human Rights Commission feels free as an independent statutory body to conduct its work as it sees fit. It would be inappropriate for me to comment until such time as the consultation phase is over.
Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Is there a concern that schools may eventually have to adopt different practices than those currently in place? How will this affect schools from a practical perspective?
Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Deputy will appreciate that question is more appropriate to the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, as it is more relevant to her Department's remit.