Ivana Bacik (Independent)

What it seeks to do in terms of the divestment issue is to, first, examine the areas where there is demand from parents in accordance with their constitutional rights. It is taking a minimalist approach in saying there are 47 catchment areas. Obviously, that is something already established with the Department, and in those areas it is setting out a blueprint as to when divestment can occur. In our area we hope we will be covered by a provision in the report which requires, at recommendation A4, that where there is established evidence of parental demand, divestment could proceed without the need to go through the phases that the report has set out.

The report has also made some valuable and important recommendations for stand-alone schools and for the need to ensure greater inclusivity and pluralism in those schools. In that context, I ask the Minister when he anticipates a first divestment might occur. Clearly, I have a particular interest in my own area and we hope our school will be open if not this year then certainly by 2013. In terms of the blueprint the report has set out - it has set out a very detailed timeline - when does the Minister think we might see divestment occur in the 47 areas? The report is very mindful of the need to ensure community sensitivities are considered and that parents are brought along with the process, and that is important.