Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Excuse me. The parish is the unit of belonging throughout the country. If these schools are amalgamated against their wishes out of necessity, is there a danger they will have a lesser identity? They will no longer have their unique ethos. They will be centralist schools without glue. This is a debate and I put the issues because I want to hear the Minister's response on them. I want to know what form patronage work will take in areas where divestment is being considered. How can parents and teachers be reassured that they will be happy with what replaces the current patronage system.

There is much in the report with which I agree, but we must be really careful how we proceed. All those to whom I spoke earlier today said that patronage is not at the top of their agenda, but what is at the top is the recession. However, when one digs deeply, one is aware they are concerned they will get something they do not want. I would therefore love to hear the Minister's response to their concerns.