Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
801. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 10 December 2015 regarding the religious criteria for admission to non-denominational schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1099/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the model schools have their origin in the set of instructions drawn up by Chief Secretary Stanley in 1831 and they initially operated as schools for the purpose of training teachers. From about 1883 onwards this role ended and the schools have functioned as ordinary schools since that time. While I am patron by virtue of the 1998 Education Act, the schools have historically catered for local Catholic or Protestant communities. In this respect they are de facto denominational schools. I do not envisage any change to the status of these schools without engaging with the school communities concerned.
