Question 1

What does the Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 do?

Accepted Answer

Amends Equal Status Act 2000 to require state-funded denominational schools prove religious preference in admissions is 'essential' to ensure reasonable access for their own faith community, not merely preferred. Adds constitutional safeguard: courts must consider children's right to attend publicly-funded schools without mandatory religious instruction when assessing if schools' admission policies are 'essential'. Applies 'necessity test' to preferential admissions policies, shifting legal burden so schools cannot use blanket co-religionist preference without demonstrating actual threat to their religious character.

Question 2

What stage is the Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 at?

Accepted Answer

As of 13 Feb 2020, the Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 is at Second Stage in 32nd Dáil. Once a bill passes every stage in both Houses of the Oireachtas and is signed by the President, it becomes law.

Question 3

Who introduced the Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016?

Accepted Answer

The Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 was sponsored by Brendan Howlin, and was introduced on 21 Jun 2016.

Equal Status (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016

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Stage timeline What do these stages mean?

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