Written answers

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Department of Education and Science

School Enrolments

9:00 pm

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 520: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on adopting the proposal (details supplied) where, in Catholic schools, up to a third of all places would be set aside for children of other denominations; if this proposal will be extended to other faith schools, particularly those schools that have recently been given approval to build; her further views on whether this policy will be a useful policy in terms of establishing or encouraging proper integration within the primary school system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6649/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Enrolment policies in individual schools are the responsibility of the schools' management authorities and provision is made for this under Section 15 of the Education Act 1998. While schools are required to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, regard must also be had to the ethos of the school and the preference of parents. Last December I announced further details of a new model of patronage at primary school level to be piloted from September 2008. The new community national school model reflects the impact of growing diversity in Irish society on the traditional structures for primary education provision. The model will aim to cater for the wishes of parents for denominational, multi-denominational and non-denominational education within the framework of a single patron model and single board of management structure. The pilot schools will be open to children of all religions and none and will aim to provide for religious education and faith formation during the school day for each of the main faith groups represented. A general ethics programme will also be available for children whose parents opt for that and the schools will operate through an ethos of inclusiveness and respect for all beliefs, both religious and non-religious. The model is not intended to replace the existing patron models but to provide an additional option, likely to be used particularly in growing areas. Three schools will be included in the initial pilot under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC). The implementation of the new pilot patronage model has involved, and will continue to involve, consultations with the main patron bodies, management bodies and education partners.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.