Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has had separate meetings with representatives of the Most Reverend Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin; if there are draft proposals for the transfer of patronage of Roman Catholic schools in the Dublin Archdiocese to other patronage bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37072/09]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has met with representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy to discuss their role as patrons of 92% of primary schools; when the meetings took place; the content of these discussions; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37087/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.

Senior officials of my Department met with Archbishop Martin and other representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy separately in late 2007 to discuss a number of issues relating to patronage of primary schools. They discussed the different issues that might arise where one or more schools under Roman Catholic patronage might transfer to another patron. Clearly, any such changes would need to be planned and managed and it would be important in individual school cases for consultation with all stakeholders - parents, teachers and local communities.

My Department has recently been in contact with the Archbishop and other representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy and religious to arrange further and more detailed discussions. These discussions are to determine how best to agree a framework by which the issues of school patronage, ownership of school property, the demand for denominational education and other associated matters can be addressed. That joint meeting is scheduled to take place next month.

As the Deputies will be aware, a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. Among the issues being considered as part of this review is the question of patronage and the circumstances where changes to patronage may be warranted.