Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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55. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided with regard to the need for a baptism certificate in response to a small number of schools which have requested the submission of same as part of the admission process for the 2019/2020 academic year. [2719/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, was signed into law by the President on the 18th July 2018.

This Act is an important piece of legislation which will introduce a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools in this country and a fair and balanced school admission process for all pupils.

The Act contains a provision, which was commenced on 3rd October 2018 and is operational since that date, which amends the Equal Status Act 2000 to prohibit the use of religion as a selection criterion in primary school admissions, with certain protections provided to ensure that a child of a minority religion can access a school providing a religious instruction or religious education programme consistent with his or her religious beliefs.

If the Deputy has been made aware of any schools that are not complying with the legislation in this regard I would be grateful if he would provide a list of such schools for the attention of my Department.