Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an issue on which there have been many differences of opinion. In a previous Dáil, the then Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, introduced the 25% cap and I think another former Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, talked of 10%. Senator Ó Ríordáin, who was a Deputy at the time, wanted 0%. To put it in context, this provision is introducing a cap for the first time on the use of "past pupil" as a basis for access. Until now, it could be 100%. We are introducing a cap for the first time. I sought consensus and the 25% cap seemed to draw a level of consensus. It passed through the other House. We are trying to make sure the provisions are fair while recognising that continuity around a school's community is something that many people value. Having a connection of past pupils to the school is of value to the school, and that is true of all schools. People can take strong views one way or the other. I have been trying to strike a balance throughout this legislation and trying to accommodate different views. This is clearly introducing a cap where no such cap applied in the past.