Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he expects to accommodate the concerns of the patrons of smaller denominational schools throughout the country; the extent to which he continues to have dialogue with such school authorities with a view to addressing their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17961/13]
View answer109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which changes in school patronage are likely to affect smaller denominational schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17963/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 109 together.
A Value for Money examination of small schools is being finalised within my Department and I expect to publish the analysis and findings in the near future. I hope that this report will foster constructive engagement both in the Oireachtas and among all interested parties in looking at the challenges ahead and how best to make provision for primary education in rural and dispersed communities.
My Department and I will continue to engage with the relevant education sector stakeholders in relation to education provision for all areas. The Government is intent on fostering pluralism in school provision. Following on from recent publication of the results of the surveys of primary school patronage, I have written to the Catholic Patrons in the 23 areas where parental demand for change has been confirmed in the recent surveys. I requested they now consider options for reconfiguring schools under their patronage in order to allow the transfer of a school to a new patron. I have asked the Catholic Patrons to submit an interim response within three months and a final response with detailed proposals on divesting schools within six months. Earlier surveys had been conducted in five pilot areas and as a result options for change are also being considered in respect of these.
