Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The current system pertains to where the Department identifies the need to replace an existing school or build a new school. If the existing patron of an existing school applies for and is granted moneys for the building of a new school, the patronage will stay as it was previously. Where a new school is to be provided because of the growing population, the Department identifies the necessity in absolute terms as to the provision of space. It then invites patron bodies to express an interest in running that school. My role in respect of the new schools establishment group is to ensure the existence of two things: a diversity of choice in respect of the patronage and ethos and manifestation of parental preference. If there are existing schools and if parental choice for a new school of a different patronage is manifested by the patron group, and there are rules and concerns about how that should function, that is only way in which it can be decided. A school cannot unilaterally change its ethos or patronage without getting clearance from the Department of Education and Skills.

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