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

The Government and the Department are examining patronage in general. We are involved in a wide-ranging review. A steering group has been set up. In addition, a group has been set up to consider new, developing areas, new patronage for schools and international experience in this area.

There have been dramatic changes in school patronage. The Department is purchasing many sites now and the boards of management of those new schools that are set up are independent and separate from the Catholic Church. Where school patrons have broken the law, we depend on the Garda to investigate to ensure that such persons are brought through the courts and that the appropriate punishment is administered.

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