Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
465. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the new 2021 post-primary school patron selections; if the online patronage preference system will open for these schools in September 2020, as stated in Parliamentary Question No. 180 of 20 May 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26609/20]
View answerIn light of the Covid-19 situation, the patronage process for the 2021 post-primary schools including that for Ballincollig was deferred. The Summer months and September in particular were critical in terms of school communities' preparation and implementation of arrangements to reopen schools. In the circumstances, it was considered prudent to further defer the post-primary process to allow schools and patrons the necessary space to focus fully on this phase without avoidable distraction. The position will be reviewed again very shortly. My Department has updated school patrons accordingly.
Updates in relation to patronage processes will be announced on the OPPS website (http://patronage.education.gov.ie/) and my Department's website (www.education.ie).
