Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to achieve by the end of 2016 the Acton Plan for Education objective to map out new approaches in order to reach the target of 400 new non-denominational and multi-denominational schools by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28380/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to progressing the development of a dynamic and innovative education system that reflects the diversity of twenty first Century Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government reflects the Government's objective of strengthening parental choice and further expanding diversity in our school system. The desire of parents for diversity in education is primarily being pursued by increasing the number of non-denominational and multi-denominational schools with a view to reaching 400 by 2030.

In addition to the phased transfer of Catholic schools to new patrons already under way, this requires considering new ideas and new approaches to substantially accelerate the changes in school provision in order to achieve greater diversity.  By developing new approaches I am convinced that we can significantly increase the number of non-denominational and multi-denominational schools.  I am progressing these matters as a priority and have already commenced a round of consultations with patron bodies in this regard.  I aim to be in a position to announce these new approaches within the timeframe indicated in the Acton Plan for Education.

Having regard to the desirability of providing a diverse range of education and training opportunities for students and learners, ETBs have an important role in identifying demand for diversity in their functional areas and in working with existing providers to ensure that provision can be appropriately configured to best meet that demand.