Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2009
228 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views regarding correspondence (details supplied); the actions he will take to address the concerns raised; if so when such actions are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39800/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that I had a constructive meeting with Protestant educational representatives on 21 October. I explained that a simple reversal of the measures taken in Budget 2008 applicable to all Protestant fee-charging schools and determined solely on a denominational criterion was not legally possible. I again made clear that I am prepared to work with the Protestant fee-charging schools to identify particular problems and issues that may be arising in some of their schools, or in respect of some students in their schools, and to examine how these might be addressed in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
I believe that engagement between my officials and representatives of the Protestant schools is the best way to seek to resolve the issues that are of concern.
