Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I support Senator Mullen's comments. It may seem that I am contradicting my comments on the need for 100% agreement, but there is a difference between boards of management and individuals. It is difficult to reach agreement with individuals, in that one among a large number will invariably disagree. If we give individuals the right of veto, operating the system would be impossible. However, there is a difference in the case of boards of management. If the boards and the Minister disagree, at some point or other we must pressure the Minister to recognise the opinions of the boards and the representative bodies of those involved in education. The difference between consultation and agreement will always pose a difficulty. There is no problem with the former, but there is with the latter. The idea that the Minister would be forced to accept a different view must be taken into account.

There is a difference between negotiating with boards and negotiating with individuals, as 100% agreement in the case of the latter is difficult. When one deals with a representative body or a school management body, however, it is possible to strengthen the Minister's hand to encourage agreement rather than just consultation.