Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I join my colleagues in requesting a debate on education matters as this week saw the publication of the feeder school list and regardless of one's view of such lists some strong points emerged. Almost all of the so-called free schools in Ireland now deliver better academic performance for pupils than the so-called grind schools. This is particularly relevant to this morning's discussion as the schools delivering superb performances are the very schools being let down by the suspension of the summer works programme, the U-turn on water charges that we are discussing this morning and the inability of this Government to deliver the necessary capitation funding. When we debate this we must be clear on the extent to which these schools have been let down despite the superb performances they delivered.

Regarding admissions policies, the feeder school list sadly indicates that many schools continue to refuse to admit some people because of their backgrounds and the difficulties and challenges they face. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Mary Hanafin, said she will initiate an admissions policy review but, while this is welcome, we need action on this matter. I was very fortunate in the school I attended and believe I learned as much from my fellow students as my teachers. It is crucial that we ensure a mix of pupils exists in every school in the country.