A body representing Muslims in South Dublin has called on the Government to reconsider the preference given by State-funded faith schools to members of their own religion.

Muslims gathered for a forum with candidates in the forthcoming general election.

But organisers are unhappy that Catholic schools which are fully subscribed are turning away children who are not baptised.

The Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald agreed that the baptism bar is a blockage to integration.

But she said more will have to be done to address the issue than is provided for in the Schools Admissions Bill which is currently before the Dáil.

With over 10% of school students in the Republic now coming from minority ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds, the issue of the bar on admitting some students to schools will continue to be raised during the coming general election campaign.