Richmond welcomes decision to extend consultation period for school admissions

Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond, has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, to extend the consultation period on the role of denominational religion in the school admissions process and possible approaches for making changes. Senator Richmond tabled a Commencement Matter in the Seanad calling for an extension to the consultation period on Wednesday.

“The consultation process on school admissions is a very important and worthwhile initiative from Minister Bruton and it is vital that it is carried out in the most thorough and representative way possible.

“Following the original opening of this consultation, I was inundated with queries from schools, parents, prospective parents, religious bodies and many more alarmed that they were being given just four weeks to submit their opinions. The fact that the consultation period clashed with midterm holidays made matters even more difficult.

“I am therefore extremely grateful to Minister Bruton for taking the decision to extend this important consultation period by an additional four weeks. This means that the total time available for written submissions is 8 weeks.

“This will make the consultation process much more thorough. It must seek to protect the interests of everyone in Ireland, including those from minority faith backgrounds.”