I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
Senior officials of my Department met with Archbishop Martin and other representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy separately in late 2007 to discuss a number of issues relating to patronage of primary schools. They discussed the different issues that might arise where one or more schools under Roman Catholic patronage might transfer to another patron. Clearly, any such changes would need to be planned and managed and it would be important in individual school cases for consultation with all stakeholders — parents, teachers and local communities.
My Department has recently been in contact with the Archbishop and other representatives of the Roman Catholic hierarchy and religious to arrange further and more detailed discussions. These discussions are to determine how best to agree a framework by which the issues of school patronage, ownership of school property, the demand for denominational education and other associated matters can be addressed. That joint meeting is scheduled to take place next month.
As the Deputies will be aware, a review of the procedures for the establishment of new primary schools is currently being undertaken by the Commission on School Accommodation. Among the issues being considered as part of this review is the question of patronage and the circumstances where changes to patronage may be warranted.