Written answers

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Department of Education and Skills

School Patronage

4:00 pm

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the meaning of the words "a development of the existing designated community college model or a new community school model" in part 2(a) of the clarification of patronage models for new second level schools issued by the forward planning section of his Department on 1 December 2011; if he will outline potential consequences for future patronage models under these terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2903/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The existing designated community college model is one in which the VEC is the sole patron but colleges are "designated" as being of a particular denomination due to the composition of the Board of Management and the provision of other supports. The current community school model involves joint patronage between the VEC and one or more denominational patrons.

Developing the existing designated community college model would allow for a partnership approach, whereby a VEC could make applications for patronage on a partnership basis with another patron body. This is happening in Clonburris, Lucan, where Co. Dublin VEC is finalising an agreement with Educate Together. Developing the current community school model would require consideration of issues around the existing Deeds of Trust in relation to property and other matters.

These issues are being considered by my Department in consultation with the relevant education partners, and will inform the basis of any future patronage models to be established.

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