Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights which has outlawed the use of crucifixes in State classrooms; whether this could impact on schools here, in particular the nominally secular schools run by the vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40746/09]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights which has outlawed the use of crucifixes in State classrooms; whether this could impact on schools here, particularly the nominally secular schools run by the vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40777/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 257 together.

I am aware that there has been a recent ruling by the European Court in relation to the display of crucifixes in state schools in Italy. My Department will be considering the European Court ruling to determine the implications, if any, for the Irish context. I am also aware that recent media reports suggest that the Italian government intends to appeal the ruling and my Department will also monitor the position in this regard.