SIXTEEN AREAS HAVE been identified for a survey on the local demand for multi-denominational and non-denominational schools

The areas have been identified by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with Minister Richard Bruton saying that the process is part of a “bottom up” process of divestment involving local communities and parents.

Parents will now have two weeks in which to complete the surveys and following their completion the ETBs will draw up a report.

Bruton has noted that 95% of primary schools are of a Catholic ethos and stated that it is the government’s target to have 400 multi-denominational and non-denominational schools in place by 2030.

If the demand in the areas is there, the government’s plans would see prospective patrons making a case to parents and the school community to take over the patronage of existing schools.

“Where an opportunity arises, patrons let it be known to parents that they would like them to be the patron of that school and the parents have a chance to hear the case, if you like, of each schools and there is a process there where all parents get a chance to express their view. I mean that is a way in which this could evolve,” the minster state today.

Template

Bruton said that a template is already in place for the transfer of school patronage after the Catholic Two-Mile National School outside Killarney reopened in September 2017 as a multi-denominational Community National School.

It doesn’t require the transfer of property by way of the transfer or amalgamation or a closure of school which has proved very, very difficult to achieve. It allows a live transfer for the school while continuing to have the pupils in that school.

The 16 areas that are to be surveyed are as follows:

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