Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, in view of the recent statements on diversification of patronage in primary schools in Dáil Éireann, she has reflected on the comments made therein; her views on the need to hold a wider debate on the future of our patronage system and establish a national forum on patronage in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23721/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I consider that the debate that we participated in this House two weeks ago was, as I said in my closing remarks, informed, informative, balanced and sincere. The real message I have garnered from the debate is that primary school patrons provide education in the best interests of children. As the Minister for Education and Skills, my role is to ensure this situation continues and I look forward to determining how to advance the matter. In my opening statement two weeks ago I highlighted three developments underway.

The first relates to the development of a new type of primary school and I envisage that this development will be discussed in detail in this House with the publication of a Bill for consideration that will include provisions for the statutory underpinning of new Community National Schools.

The second relates to new arrangements for the recognition of new primary schools. I am awaiting advice from the Commission on School Accommodation which I expect to receive in the next month or so.

The third relates to the potential for the Catholic Church to divest patronage in some schools. My Department is examining a number of initial locations to see what scope or options might exist for a change of patronage in these cases. The aim is to complete the assessment within the next month with a view to publication of the list.

I recognise there is a need to continue to seek the input and views of a wide cross section of contemporary Ireland on the relevant issues. I prefer to advance consideration and trialling of the practical issues at this stage so that specific proposals can be developed and issues identified rather than a more general and theoretical discussion at this point.

I am committed to further consultation with the education partners and the wider public. Two weeks ago in this House, I listened to the Deputies' opinions on the nature of consultation and I wish to continue to reflect on these views as the work underway is advanced and various stages of it completed.