Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I welcome the passage through this House late last night of the Children and Family Relationships Bill after a long debate. It is welcome to see this major and most progressive law reform go through. As all Members are aware, it will change the law in a number of important respects but in a child-centred manner, while recognising the reality of the diversity of family life in Ireland today. The Bill will make important changes to the law on adoption, guardianship, parentage and other matters and I greatly welcome it.

I seek a debate on school admissions policies in light of the proposed school admissions Bill, which I understand is coming before the Cabinet today. As colleagues are aware, a number of cases have arisen in recent months regarding school enrolment and admissions policies. The new Bill will be welcome in seeking at last to reform this area from a statutory point of view. In light of the Bill, Members might have a general debate, even in advance of its introduction, because it is such a pressing issue for so many parents. In particular, there is the issue of diversity of patronage in the schooling system. I acknowledge Members have debated this matter in this House previously but they are due to have another debate on the subject, given that so many people have raised the difficulty of getting into a school, in particular where schools are religious-run and where a child does not have the particular religion of the local school. This is a real issue for many parents across Ireland. While the former Minister, Deputy Quinn, set up the diversity of patronage initiative, very few schools have transformed patronage under that initiative and consequently, Members should have that debate.

Finally, I welcome the announcement today that the Government is buying, as a national monument, the buildings at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street at which a commemorative centre will be established. All Members are aware that the last council of war with James Connolly and Pádraig Pearse was held at 16 Moore Street and that the poor condition of the buildings on Moore Street has been a matter of controversy for some years. In advance of the centenary of the 1916 Rising, it is welcome that the Government has made this decision and that the site will be developed as a commemorative centre, adjacent of course to the GPO, as another commemorative centre and national monument.