Written answers
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Department of Education and Science
School Patronage
5:00 pm
Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on the view expressed in the OECD Review of Migrant Education in Ireland report, published in December 2009, that in a society that is becoming increasingly heterogenous, the practice of patron bodies of education begins to look anachronistic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7479/10]
Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The OECD Review of Migrant Education, Ireland Country Report, is one of a series of reports arising from the OECD's thematic review of migrant education. The report considers five key "policy orientations" that Ireland should consider in providing an "inclusive, high quality education for all students" against a background of changing inward migration patterns, particularly between 2000 and 2008.
One of the key policy orientations is "Access to Quality Education". Both strengths and challenges are identified. In relation to Ireland's patronage model, the report comments that "it continues to work well for the majority of students" and notes the challenges associated with the increasing diversity and pluralism of Irish society. In this regard, it notes the emergence of the new model of patronage at primary level offered by the Community National Schools, and its potential to address some of these challenges. It also acknowledges the work being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation in relation to future requirements for school provision. My Department is considering the recommendations in the OECD report within the context of its commitment to provide inclusive, high quality education for all students.
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