Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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There are currently 172 primary schools with a multi-denominational or inter-denominational ethos. This includes:

• 51 of the 52 new primary schools established for demographic reasons since 2011 having a multi-denominational ethos
• 32 areas now have increased multi-denominational provision as a result of the reconfiguration or divesting process undertaken since 2011.

For historical reasons, most primary schools are State-aided parish schools, with the local Bishop as patron. It is recognised, including by the Catholic patrons, that more diverse provision is required to cater for our changing society.

The Programme for Government commits to seeking to increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education.

The schools reconguration process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to meet demand from parents and to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools. When a school transfers from the patronage of one patron to another, the school remains open with the same roll number and operating from the same school property.

Given the importance of increasing choice for parents, I intend to publish a plan to meet the commitment contained in the Programme for Government regarding multi-denominational education. It is intended as part of this work to conduct a survey of primary school parents and guardians on their preferences on important aspects of school provision and choice, including the future patronage and ethos of their school.