Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to establish a forum to examine education and equality legislation in the matter of intercultural education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27952/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The majority of new primary schools that have opened in recent years have been multi-denominational in ethos. My Department has received 38 notices of intention to open new schools next year — of which only 7 are for schools with a Catholic ethos. All of these schools are being assessed through a process that involves public consultation.

A new model of primary school patronage is also being developed which will cater for the diversity of religious faiths represented in growing urban areas. This new model of community primary school will be piloted next year in West Dublin under the patronage of Co. Dublin VEC.

In relation to a forum on the future of primary education, the new model of community national school is being discussed with all the education partners and there is plenty of opportunity within existing structures for consultation and debate.