Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 408: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 923 of 20 April 2010, her views on establishing, without prejudice, a national forum on patronage in primary schools, as suggested by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin when he noted that his church was the patron of 92% of all existing 3,175 ordinary primary schools here; if she will invite all of the relevant stakeholders to participate in such a forum with a view to agreeing to the orderly restructuring of the existing pattern of patronage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16872/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of patronage and governance of our primary schools is of significant national importance. Irish society will continue to change at pace over the years to come and our education system must therefore continue to adapt and change to reflect this. I have publicly indicated at the recent INTO conference that I recognise that there is a need to seek the input and views of a wide cross section of contemporary Ireland on the relevant issues.

As the Deputy is aware consideration of many of the relevant issues is underway already. A review of procedures for establishment of new primary schools is being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. Among the range of issues being considered is the issue of patronage including the criteria that must be met to become a patron and the circumstances where changes to patronage may be warranted. Furthermore, my Department has had discussions on the potential transfer of patronage of Catholic primary schools with senior representatives of the Catholic Church. The Department will shortly be providing an initial list of about 10 areas that can be used to test the concept of reducing the number of Catholic schools.

There has already been significant consultation around these issues with stakeholders. The extent and nature of the further consultation under consideration will be determined as the work underway is completed. My Department will continue to liaise with all of the relevant stakeholders in relation to the issues concerned.