Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 591: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has studied the European equal treatment directive and the implications it may have for enrolment policies and recruitment policies in schools with a religious patron; if he has briefed the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the matter or if he will do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17559/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Commission proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in the supply of and access to goods and services, social benefits including social security and healthcare, social advantages and education has been examined by officials of my Department in relation to its' possible impact on the education sector in Ireland.

I understand that preliminary discussions only have been held on this measure at Council and accordingly it is not yet possible to determine what a final draft will contain. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has been briefed by officials of my Department on aspects of the draft Directive which may have an impact on existing Irish national legislation. The initial view of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is that the proposal will not require any change to the provisions of the Equal Status Acts governing access to education and recruitment of teachers.