Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he supports the recommendation in the report of the Advisory Group on Patronage and Pluralism that stand alone schools be left alone unless they are in areas in which there is a stable population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19380/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that I recently published the Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector. The overarching aim of the Forum's work was to ensure that schools cater for diversity and ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for all their pupils.

The Advisory Group have presented a comprehensive report and I am aware that some of the issues dealt with in the report are sensitive and need to be carefully examined.

I have asked the education partners and interested parties to examine the report and take time to reflect on and digest the recommendations and I have invited them to submit their views on the report to me.

I am considering the report's findings and recommendations and intend to outline my official response next month. As per the commitment in the Programme for Government, a White Paper on pluralism and patronage in the primary sector will follow.