Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I support completely the point made so eloquently by Senator Hayden. I also encourage my colleague, Senator Norris, perhaps not to misjudge this issue and I am sure he would not do so intentionally. I am not aware that this is a church school. This appears to be a decision, purportedly in the name of ethos but in reality a capricious and individualistic decision, that no right-minded person would support. The Ombudsman for Children is to be commended on her robust intervention in this affair. Moreover, it is important to have close consultation between the Department and school patrons, trustees and managers in respect of their characteristic spirit and ethos. It absolutely is not the case that current legislation could be invoked to promote a decision like this because the requirements of section 37 require an objective test of reasonableness and the decision that took place in this case certainly was not reasonable at all.

As a point of information to my colleague, Senator Norris, the comment from the representative of the Association of Catholic Priests regarding the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, pertained to the fact that the Minister had jumped to conclusions in the Kevin Reynolds case and perhaps had not resiled from that position. I do not believe it had anything to do with the Judaism of the person.