Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

One takes note of what anybody with an historically central role in education has to say. The archbishop addressed the Irish Primary Principals' Network in Dublin on 16 June last and made a speech on these general matters.

In the past, representatives from the Department of Education and Science met Archbishop Martin and the chairperson of the bishops' committee on education to discuss more general issues and statements that were made in respect of the possible divesting of patronage of primary schools in the archdiocese. At the meeting in question, the Archbishop 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. Those present at the meeting also 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. While a speech is a welcome indication of current thinking, a great deal of debate and discussion would have to take place before the transformation envisaged by the Deputy could come to pass.

See this speech in context