School Patronage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Questions (161)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

161. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish in full the results of the 38 parental surveys on patronage; the number of schools that he expects to be divested from the catholic church this year and transferred to new patronage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy may be aware, the closing date for completion of the current phase of parental surveys on primary patronage is Friday 8 February 2013. At that stage officials in my Department will prepare a report for the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). I expect that the New Schools Establishment Group will make recommendations to me on the survey outcomes within a matter of weeks following that.

We will have to await the outcome of the parental surveys to determine the number of schools that may possibly be divested from the catholic church and transferred to new patronage.