Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 383: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will recognise the difference in the structure of funding of Protestant secondary schools and reinstate the previous supports provided by his Department; the current status of talks with school representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47907/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have repeatedly stated my, and the Government's, commitment to supporting Protestant education. Indeed, it is in order to deal with the concerns expressed by some members of the Protestant community of the effect of the budgetary changes on Protestant schools that I have sought to ensure the direct engagement with those involved in Protestant education in identifying and resolving issues collaboratively. I have had meetings with a number of groups on this issue. The most recent such meeting was on 21 October when I met with the Committee on Management for Protestant Schools. I extended an invitation to that committee to join a working group with my officials to identify particular measures to support the schools and consider options that might deal with their needs. Regrettably the committee declined my invitation.

My officials and representatives of the Bishops have remained in touch in an effort to achieve progress on the issues involved. An arrangement is now in place to provide information that can assist my officials in their work on identifying measures aimed at sustaining schools in the Protestant sector. I retain the belief that engagement between representatives from the Protestant education sector and my officials is the best way to resolve the issues that are of concern.