Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

In response to Deputy Mullen's question, we are investigating ways of assessing demand. When parents sign their children up for preschool places, they could be asked to indicate their preferences for denominational or other types of schooling. There have been cases of refusals. The reformed church, if I may give it that generic name, is growing in population. Church of Ireland schools previously welcomed people who desired co-educational schooling, including in my own case when such schooling was not available where I lived in Sandymount. These schools took in other people and they have grown. However, the growth of employment in the IT and other sectors means that the reformed church population is now quite large and the school in Sandymount, for example, is telling applicants it cannot offer them a place if they are not members of the reformed church. That is also true for certain comprehensive schools in south Dublin because they are legally obliged to give preference to members of their own community. We can also assess the physical location of demand through a GIS system that tracks the location of every child benefit recipient by age.

The question of boards of management for community and national schools is being actively considered. The oldest school has been in operation for shorter than four years but the question needs to be addressed none the less. I agree with Senator Jim D'Arcy on the role that boards of management can play. As part and parcel of the primary school community and various patronage models, we need to consider a different kind of protocol or practice. Many organisations find that the quickest way to atrophy is not to renew their office or board every three years. When the same person remains in the same post in an organisation, whether a GAA club or anything else, there is no opportunity for rejuvenation. Every democratic organisation is confronted with the task of retraining volunteers, bringing in new blood and thanking people for the work they have done, but boards of management need special consideration in view of their critical importance. I am conscious that I should not intrude into a space that properly belongs to other people and for this reason I would suggest protocols and arrangements rather than issue instructions on how long a board member can serve. It is not always easy to get people to do this job. I share the Senator's view that boards of management are a great resource that should be used more productively.

Senator Healy Eames asked about evidence of refusal. Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence in areas with growing populations. I am glad to hear it is not an issue in her area.