Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the five Catholic and four Church of Ireland primary schools in which she is the patron; her role as a patron of these schools; the way the Church is involved in the school; the way this differs from Church schools in which she is not the patron; if the catchment areas match parish boundaries or are otherwise determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27196/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the schools known as the Model schools. The model schools are:

1. Dunmanway Model School, Co. Cork

2. Monaghan Model School, Co. Monaghan

3. Limerick Model School, Limerick

4. Bailieboro Model School, Co. Cavan

5. Scoil Fhursa, Co. na Gaillimhe

6. Athy Model School, Co. Kildare

7. Central Model School (Senior), Dublin

8. Central Model School (Junior), Dublin

9. Scoil Chaoimhin, Dublin

The model schools have their origin in the set of instructions drawn up by Chief Secretary Stanley in 1831 that empowered the Commissioners for National Education (National Education Board) to , inter alia , establish a model school for the training of teachers. Only one model school was first contemplated, a central model school in Dublin. From 1845 onwards local model schools were established managed by local inspectors. The Royal Commission on Education 1868-1870 found that model schools were an unduly expensive method of training teachers, and their use for this purpose ceased from about 1883 onwards, the schools continuing to function as ordinary schools.

The Board was brought to an end in 1922, when its functions were taken over by the Minister for Education and the Department of Education was set up under the Ministers and Secretaries Act of 1924. The model schools continued to be managed by inspectors and funded by the Department.

The Education Act 1998 placed the patronage of schools on a statutory basis. The Minister as owner of the model schools became the Patron in accordance with the terms of the Act.

As Patron the Minister, in respect of these schools, has the same powers under the legislation as any other school patron. For example the Minister appoints the Board of Management of the model schools while in the case of schools under the patronage of the Catholic or Protestant church it is the Bishop that appoints the Board.

Model Schools are recognised primary schools which are maintained from State funds and are ordinary primary schools offering the national curriculum. The relevant section of my Department approves the appointment of teachers on my behalf.

It is the Minister's historic role in relation to the school and her current role as Patron under the Education Act 1998 that distinguishes these schools from those under the patronage of catholic or protestant bishops.

The schools operate as Catholic or Protestant schools in accordance with the historic traditions that go back to their foundation and the community to be served at the time they were established.