Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Ó Murchú on the role of the Christian Brothers in schools. I was amazed when I recently learned that almost 3,000 primary schools in the country are not in the ownership of the State. They are mainly in the ownership of different religious orders. They account for approximately 90% of schools, which is a significant proportion. We are vulnerable in one way, as when religious orders leave education, primary schools could be closed down and sold if the orders suddenly began to sell their assets.