Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his statement on the report, which I listened to on the monitor in my office. While I welcome the review of rule 68 perhaps the Minister will tell us what is to be put in its place. During the late 1990s I was a member of a Dublin group on the separation of Church and State which was discussing this issue at that time. However, it is only now being implemented.

My question for the Minister is on faith formation. The committee has recommended the development of ethics, religious and belief programmes which would ensure all children learn about their religious beliefs. Muslim children in Catholic schools do not feel threatened because they have a strong faith base and outside of school religious formation groups, which are the equivalent of Sunday school as referred to by the Minister. Many schools cannot accommodate all types of diversity. Is it proposed to recommend to parents who feel threatened - many people fear change - by the amalgamation of all types of religion in schools that they consider establishing Sunday schools? I compliment Ms Fionnuala Kilfeather, whom I worked with on the National Parents Council, on her recommendations in this regard.