What I've been saying

Independent NUI Senator Rónán Mullen and colleagues in the EPP (European People’s Party) and ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) scored a key victory yesterday evening when an amendment was passed safeguarding freedom of conscience in a radical report on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Better cooperation is also needed between the individual member states as these issues are necessarily trans-European - involving countries of origin, transit and destination. This is especially true in matters pertaining to human trafficking which involves criminal networks across many member states. Although not explicitly mentioned in the report it would be a wonderful development in human rights protection if member states could act with procedural and humanitarian unity in welcoming genuine asylum seekers who are fleeing from human rights abuses in their countries of origin. Harmonisation of approaches would provide greater clarity to asylum seekers and could potentially lead to a more even and efficient response by member states in accommodating asylum seekers. With this in mind I support the report’s call for the inclusion of a right to apply for asylum in the European Convention of Human Rights.

Independent NUI Senator Rónán Mullen was joined by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael delegates at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in opposing radical elements of a report on sexual orientation and gender identity. Senator Mullen tabled 10 amendments to the controversial Gross report, including wording which defends freedom of conscience in relation to ‘legitimate moral disagreements between people concerning same-sex relationships’ (Amendment 22), and including wording which calls for mutual respect to be fostered ‘between supporters of LGBT rights and persons and institutions with religious, ethical or moral concerns around same-sex relationships’ (Amendment 23).

It is undoubtedly the case that we continue to produce many very fine graduates and the fact there is an increased number of high grades does not automatically mean there is a lowering of standards but in some cases this is the case. In some cases, what was once considered a 2.2 degree is now more likely to be considered a 2.1. It is important to ask whether there is grade inflation at post-graduate level and whether that could be tied in with universities’ desire to raise money through fees. These are important issues we need to discuss and I hope there will be a debate.

Speaking alongside Labour education spokesman Ruairi Quinn TD at the Jesuit Education Boards of Management Conference in Maynooth, Senator Mullen stated “I do not believe that the linking of the indemnity and redress scheme issues with the transfer of Catholic schools to the state sheds any light on the debate. They are two separate issues to be considered on their own merits. The main area where transfer of Catholic schools is needed is at primary level where the religious orders run very few schools. Most Catholic schools at the primary level are diocesan.”

The politician-friendly booklet made available by the USI this morning makes a number of significant points, not least of which is the fact that our current system for processing grant applications is anachronistic. The Minister has decided that new applicants for the back to education allowance will be ineligible for the grant. This raises issues of legitimate expectation.