Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2023
82. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the proposal to reconfigure three primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21930/23]
View answerFollowing engagement with the relevant stakeholders, issue of preliminary report, which was circulated to the Raheny school community, feedback provided and views shared, the facilitator issued their final report to the school patron. The report concludes that the Raheny schools are not amenable to, or potential candidates for, transfer of patronage, and that the three Raheny schools should be retained as they are currently configured.
Having received the report and reflected on the level of demand and the conclusion as set out in the report, the patron has communicated his decision with the three schools that they will remain under his patronage.
My Department is reviewing the engagement with the school communities in the pilot areas to consider the learnings going forward, including the aspects that worked well and the elements that can be improved upon. As part of this review, my Department has sought the views of the facilitators who engaged with the school communities in the pilot areas and is also engaging with representatives of the Catholic patrons and representatives of the main multi-denominational patron bodies.
My Department will work with the relevant stakeholders to apply this learning to future phases of work.
My goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
