Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has received the legal opinion which his Department sought in relation to the application by Educate Together to have its existing status as patron of primary schools extended into post primary schools; if that legal opinion has identified an impediment which would prevent Educate Together from becoming a patron at post primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19241/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. To facilitate full consideration of all of the issues involved, my Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the system of patronage at second level. At this stage, the advice has not yet been received. However, it is intended that officials from my Department will be meeting with their counterparts in the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the matter within the coming week or so.

It is timely to examine the broad issues of patronage at second level, given the current climate of an ever increasing student population and the moves towards diversity in education provision.

I can assure the Deputy that the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level will be fully examined within the context of the legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.