Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response. I would like to ask again about the timeframe for the divestment process in terms of the 47 areas. The report lays down a blueprint for a timeframe but it does not set out the end result as to when it envisages some of those schools will divest. As the Minister said, it is on a very small scale and gradualist approach of approximately 50 schools in total which would divest of the period of time.

I am very supportive of what Senator Jim D'Arcy and the Minister said about volunteers on boards of management. The report clearly recommends that boards of management should be established within the community national schools as is a requirement under the Education Act. The Minister may not be the right person to ask but has there been any movement on that? The report is very clear about enrolment and that it should not discriminate on the grounds of religion. I was very glad to hear the Minister say there is a plan to put enrolment on a statutory footing in the future.