Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if legislation will be needed to implement the recommendations of forum on patronage and pluralism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30354/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that I outlined my official response to the Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism on the 20th June.

I announced my intention to commence the divesting of patronage process immediately in an initial 44 identified areas. The first step in this process is to gather evidence on the scale of divestment required in the identified areas. Parental surveys are to commence in the autumn. The New Schools Establishment Group's remit will be expanded to support the divesting process.

I also announced that I have decided that there should be a public consultation process on the findings and recommendations in the report with regard to promoting more inclusiveness in schools, particularly in 'Stand Alone Schools' where transfer of patronage is not an option. A formal call for submissions will issue in September with a deadline for receipt of submission of end November.

After this, the Forum Report findings and recommendations in this area and the submissions received will be considered in the preparation of a White Paper which will chart the way forward taking account of the views expressed with the aim of having a final draft White Paper prepared by early 2013.

I will also be asking the NCCA to explore, with the education partners and religious interests, the development of Education about Religions and Beliefs and Ethics programmes. The inclusive processes of the NCCA will allow an opportunity for all interested parties, including faith and non-faith interests to have their views taken into account as to the place of such programmes.

The Advisory Group made a number of recommendations concerning the provision of Irish medium schools and I have decided to proceed immediately with the analysis of the start-up and growth of Irish medium schools as proposed by the Advisory Group. This analysis will inform future policy development in this area.

Any legislative issues which arise will be dealt with as implementation of the above actions advance.