Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I wish to be associated with comments that have been made regarding the chilling events that took place in Norway at the weekend. I am sure all Senators would want to remember those who were lost or injured and their families in their thoughts and prayers. Let us hope that events of this nature never visit our shores again.

I wish to note the judgment handed down yesterday in the Circuit Court by Judge Teehan whereby a decision of the Equality Tribunal against a school to the effect that it had indirectly discriminated against a member of the Traveller community was overturned. Whereas the judge's decision, all things considered, was good, it highlights the complexity that surrounds the issue of school admission and enrolment policies. In that context, the discussion document put forward by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, is welcome.

I am seeking - on the resumption of business in the autumn - a debate relating to school admission and enrolment policies. It is clear that there are legitimate but competing values to be considered in respect of this matter. The right of members of particular faith communities to be able to access an education that reflects their ethos must be considered. In addition, the need for inclusivity must be respected and we must ensure that people with special needs, members of the Traveller community or immigrants are not at the bottom of the list when it comes to accessing school places.

A number of issues arise in respect of the matter to which I refer. These include the fact that there is no easy way to proceed, that different rights are competing with each other and that there is a need to ensure equality and diversity. However, matters eventually boil down to the need to have adequate numbers of school places and legitimate diversity in school provision in each area in order that people might genuinely access a form of education that meets their particular needs. If there is a shortage of school places, then there will never be an easy way to determine who should be given a place when a school hits its maximum enrolment and matters come down to a lottery. In such circumstances, somebody will lose out and he or she will have legitimate grounds for complaint. There is a need to consider how we might provide resources into the future in order to ensure that people will have genuine choice when seeking to access education.

I welcome what has been stated in respect of the Cloyne report, particularly Senator Bacik's comments to the effect that the debate on it can be continued in the autumn. Colleagues will be aware that Senators Quinn, Walsh, Ó Murchú and I have tabled an amendment to the all-party motion on the report. I would be grateful if other Senators would examine the amendment with fresh and discerning eyes and consider whether they can support it. In light of the fact that two hours may not be sufficient to allow everyone who wishes to do so to contribute to the debate on this extremely important and sensitive issue tomorrow, perhaps the Leader will confirm that a vote will not be taken at the end of the two-hour period - either on the motion or the proposed amendment - and will be held over until the resumption of business in the autumn. It would be wrong to put the issue to a vote until everybody who wishes to contribute has the opportunity to do so. That is almost self-evident. I would welcome the thoughts and contributions of other Seanadóirí on that point.

If the Cathaoirleach will indulge me, I wish to offer a clarification. My colleague, Senator Norris, was puzzled some weeks ago when I mentioned that I was involved in the trusteeship of approximately 112 voluntary secondary schools. This led a number of people asking whether it was irresponsible of me to be on so many-----