Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In The University Times today there is a story that in the negotiations on the reconfiguration of teacher training in Ireland the Church of Ireland College of Education will not be allowed to retain its name. The inclusion of "Church of Ireland" in the title does not threaten anybody; rather, it enriches the island as an example of the diversity enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement. Perhaps the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, can clarify the matter when he comes to the House on Thursday. We had a debate on the issue of patronage of schools and the Minister agreed that some people were unduly sensitive to symbols, emblems and titles associated with the religious beliefs of others. As a country we must grow up and allow the diversity we all wish to see.