Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2019
118. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide for more diversity of choice for parents of primary school children in an area (details supplied); if divestment or other proposals are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17877/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government includes a commitment of reaching 400 multi-/non-denominational schools in Ireland by the year 2030. The Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity Process is aimed at assisting in achieving this target by transferring existing schools from denominational to multi-/non-denominational patronage in line with the wishes of the school community. The first Identification Phase of the phase 1 pilot process is nearing completion for 16 initial areas nationwide, which in the case of Tipperary ETB includes a report on the Roscrea area. It is envisaged that these reports will be published on my Department's website www.education.ie in the first half of this year.
The Newport/Birdhill/Ballina is does not form part of the 16 areas selected by ETBs for the initial roll-out of this process. However, separately to the main Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity Process, school communities can directly engage with their school patron regarding transfer of patronage to a multi-denominational patron. For example, the ‘early movers’ provision fast-tracks patronage reassignment. The first 'early mover' reconfiguration has successfully taken place, with Two-Mile Community National School in Kerry opening in September 2017.
Any school which is seeking a transfer of patronage under the 'early movers' provision should contact their school patron directly.
