Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and Minister. I would like to raise the issue of what has become known as the "baptism barrier" and the religious-based discrimination currently practised in admissions policies in State-funded schools in this country. As Ireland continues to become a more secular and pluralist nation, it is vitally important that the State acknowledges and vindicates the fundamental equality of every child, irrespective of race, socio-economic status and, in this case, religion. Equality cannot be fully realised while we allow State schools to discriminate in their admissions policies based on religious denomination. Therefore, the baptism barrier needs to go.

The Minister is aware of this issue and is keen to see reform. I would like to acknowledge his announcement earlier this year of the ending of this discriminatory practice. My key ask today is, therefore, that this issue be dealt with by way of an amendment to the Education (Admission to School) Bill, which is on Fourth Stage in Dáil Éireann.

As the Minister will be aware, the Joint Committee on Education and Skills, of which I am a member, recently conducted stakeholder engagement and scrutiny on the Bill. Our report was published in June and one of our recommendations was that it is imperative that the relevant legislation is, the very least, amended so that no child is denied admission to a State-funded school on the basis of his or her religion or beliefs. The relevant legislation is section 7(3)(c) of the Equal Status Act 2000.

This is not provided for in the Bill as currently drafted. Can the Minister indicate today whether he is considering amending the Bill to reflect the recommendations of the committee? I would also like clarification on the three limited circumstances cited by the Minister as to when a school can use religion as a criteria for admission. The Minister stated that these circumstances were in order to protect minority faith schools and we would need to see the detail so that we can ensure there are no unintended consequences.

It does not make sense to me that we would pass a major admissions policy reform Bill when it does not comprehensively address what I believe is the most fundamental equality issue in national school admissions today. The Minister has previously stated that this issue could perhaps be dealt with by a separate piece of legislation. However, this approach should be reconsidered.

The creation of a new bespoke piece of legislation could take years, whereas the 2016 admissions Bill could become law by Christmas. I understand there is concern that constitutional issues could be at play, but Equate Ireland commissioned legal advice in this respect and if the Minister has not seen it I would be happy to share it with him.

Ultimately, the baptism barrier has no place in a modern and pluralist education system. In a recent poll 84% of Irish people called for an end to religious-based school exclusion. We have a responsibility to move quickly and decisively to end it. Let us commit to ending discrimination before the next academic year.