Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It is important to place the relevant information on the record and I am entitled to do so.

The new model can provide a valuable new option in ensuring that our school system is responsive to future parental choice. In ensuring that the range of patronage models, new and existing, collectively achieve this, it is important to build on ongoing dialogue with the education partners in encouraging a wider public discussion of the issues involved. In that regard, I recently announced my intention to host a conference on the governance challenge for future primary education needs in late June. I can confirm that the conference will be held on 27 June at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. I have been working with my officials in considering the practical arrangements involved. Detailed arrangements for the conference will be made public.

The conference to which I refer will facilitate all stakeholders in considering together the implications for the primary education system of the changing shape of Irish society. Discussions will focus on the particular challenges of ethos and inclusion for patron bodies, under both the existing patronage models and the new patronage model to be piloted in three community national schools this September. The conference will consider the long-term challenges of organising and developing our system of school governance to accommodate new parental demands and aspirations. It will also deal with issues of capacity, choice, ensuring inclusion and the implications for enrolment policies. I look forward to engaging collectively with stakeholders on these important issues that will shape the future of our primary education system.

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