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

We must recognise there is diversity and diversity is a good thing. That means there needs to be a diversity of teachers capable of maintaining the ethos of a given school. We have recognised that the right to have distinctive strands of teachers should be protected.

The parent and student charter legislation will come before the House for a thorough debate. It is my intention that schools would involve parents in any significant change that would impact on them. When we debate the Bill in detail Senator Bacik will have a chance to see whether the phraseology meets her concerns. I do not have the wording to hand to verify the exact phraseology being used.

I am in consultation with the Attorney General's office to ensure that the way I proceed to implement the different sections of the Bill is legally sound and proper. I hope those consultations will be completed shortly, at which point I will be in a position to make known the schedule of implementation.