Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach. Mol an Óige national school in Ennistymon which is part of the Steiner family of schools was established a number of years ago by volunteers. It is based on the Steiner model, although it is more streamlined. Well in excess of 100 students attend the school.

Delete Snippet Senator Maurice Cummins: I join my colleagues in complimenting Senator Burke on introducing this Bill to the House. I know full well the amount of time and effort he has put into it. The Minister and Department have been talking about introducing such a Bill for a number of years, yet when a Member of the House introduces one, irrespective of whether the Department believes it is flawed, it is not accepted. It could be amended on Committee Stage. I am disappointed that the Bill has not been accepted. Snippet Ref No: EE00700 ... Edit Snippet | Insert Snippet | Delete Snippet Senator John Whelan: Hear, hear. Snippet Ref No: EE00800 ... Edit Snippet | Insert Snippet | Delete Snippet Senator Maurice Cummins: I question why the Department is dragging its heels on it. That is what is happening. People have been talking about indemnity for medical practitioners for the past three to five years. I am disappointed that the Department has been dragging its heels in dealing with this matter. The Minister stated he will take on board quite a number of sections in Senator Burke's Bill when the Government introduces its own legislation. When are we likely to see that Bill? If it is postponed, as it has been for a number of years, we will not see it before the term of Government is up. For that reason, I compliment Senator Burke. I acknowledge the consultation he has had with many people in drafting this Bill. I am disappointed that it is not being accepted and believe it could be amended on Committee Stage. I welcome the fact that many parts of the Bill will be in the Government's Bill but I question when the latter will come before this House or the other. Snippet Ref No: EE00900 ... Edit Snippet | Insert Snippet | Delete Snippet Senator Colm Burke: I thank all my colleagues who made a contribution on this debate. Let me cover one or two matters that were referred to. To put it bluntly, I am stunned by what has occurred. I was told an hour ago that the Department was to accept this Bill and intended tabling amendments to it. It is not that I did not give the documentation to the Department; I gave it to it over eight weeks ago. I did not receive a response and am totally astonished that this is the approach of the Department at this stage. Snippet Ref No: EE01000 ... Edit Snippet | Insert Snippet | Delete Snippet Senator Sean D. Barrett: Shame on the Department. Snippet Ref No: EE01100 ... Edit Snippet | Insert Snippet | Delete Snippet Senator Colm Burke: It is certainly a huge surprise to me. Could I touch on one or two issues that were referred to? The Minister referred to Medical Council expertise. That is referred to in the Bill. At my meeting with representatives of the Medical Council, Mr. Ciarán Breen from the State Claims Agency was present. End of Take

There are well in excess of 100 students attending Mol an Óige national school, Ennistymon. The school has applied for permanent recognition for a number of years. It has temporary recognition. It believes, I have no reason to doubt, it has met the criteria required by the Department for permanent recognition. Because of growing numbers, permanent recognition is an important aspiration that needs to become a reality. Many parents have chosen to opt for this type of education. The alternative approach being proposed is not that much of an alternative. Having spoken to a number of parents who have made representations to me, they consider that their children are benefiting from Mol an Óige school. Given that it is in operation for a number of years, that the children are doing well, that the parents are happy and that it meets the vast majority of the criteria - there may be one or two areas on which discussions are taking place - permanent recognition should be granted. Were that to be granted it would give the school certainty and facilitate the building of a new school. At present the school is located in prefabs. It would provide the certainty it needs to further develop the educational offering being provided at present.