Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will conclude. That inequality is damaging to children and it creates an insecure and unequal environment in school. Bearing in mind that decisions should be made within three years anyway, the Bill would allow that any child who is over three years of age and is starting to attend school could do so on an equal basis with other children. I urge the Minister to seek high standards. I ask him to reconsider and to support the Bill. Immigration does not cause xenophobia. A lack of constructive integration and inclusion mechanisms is what we need to address. I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to its return on Committee Stage.