Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

Senior officials of my Department met with the patron in question in late 2007 to discuss statements he had made on the patronage of primary schools. At that meeting, the patron indicated that he had no specific locations in mind where one or more schools under his patronage might transfer to another patron but that it might arise at some point in the future. They discussed the different issues that might arise, the need for such changes to be planned and managed and the desirability in individual school cases of consultation with all stakeholders - parents, teachers and local communities. It was agreed that the patron would contact the Department at an early stage in any case where the patron was considering the feasibility of such a transfer.

The forward planning section of my Department is currently examining demographic trends throughout the country with a view to establishing education accommodation needs at a local level. As part of this examination, my Department will be consulting directly with all existing patrons about specific areas where the establishment of new schools will be required and how emerging demands in these areas will be addressed. In this context, my Department has written to representatives of the patron in question on 27 March and, as part of the follow-up to this process, it intends seeking details of any schools where a change of patronage might potentially be relevant.

In tandem with this, a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. A technical working group, under the direction of the chairman of the commission, has been established for this purpose. The working group has commenced its work and it is expected that it will be completed and recommendations made to me before the end of the year. Among the issues being considered by the working group is the issue of patronage, including the criteria that must be met to become a patron and the circumstances where changes to patronage may be warranted. The working group will also consider the general approach to maximising the use of existing spare capacity where this arises, including possible changes to patronage.

The approach being adopted by my Department and the Commission on School Accommodation will ensure any changes to current patronage arrangements will well planned and managed in a manner that will accommodate the interests of parents, teachers and local communities and that they will also contribute to an inclusive education system. As part of this process, if further meetings with the patron in question are needed to discuss or clarify any general issues relating to the change of patronage, they will be arranged.

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