Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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284. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will protect the 40 years of progress and the work that has been done and the ethos of the Irish-medium schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37185/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I recently published a draft General Scheme for an Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, 2013 as well as draft regulations for discussion ahead of enacting legislation. I have referred the draft General Scheme and draft regulations to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, to allow a full public discussion of the proposed legislative framework, including inputs from parents and the education partners. I hope the Committee will give this early consideration so that we can proceed to the next stage of legislation as soon as possible.

In bringing forward these proposals, my policy objective is to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that the way in which schools decide on applications is structured, fair and transparent. As the Bill and the Regulations will be published in draft form, they will also be subject to a lot of detailed scrutiny before becoming law. I will be reflecting carefully on the views expressed in the consultation process to ensure they strike the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.