Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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138. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the Forum for Patronage Report was far too narrow in scope and centred much more around the religious education curriculum rather than any meaningful understanding of whole school ethos; his views on whether the forum report's philosophy will impose restrictions on Roman Catholic schools in respect of the way religious education is taught in Roman Catholic schools, on the way the religious artefacts are displayed, on the way prayer-life is conducted and the way the Christian ethos is lived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2313/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage contains a wide range of recommendations aimed at ensuring that Irish schools cater for the diversity within society. These recommendations were drawn up following a public consultation process and widespread engagement with interested parties.

As part of my Action Plan in response to the Report, I recently conducted a further consultation process to give parents, in particular, an opportunity to give their views on the Group's recommendations on how schools can become more inclusive.

The process to date has given ample opportunity for the views of all interested parties to be taken on board. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the submissions received, together with the Forum Report findings and recommendations, are now being considered with a view to developing a White Paper outlining Government policy in this area.