Primary school patronage choices
Senator D’Arcy discusses parents being consulted on primary-school patronage and argues that faith schools will remain important; several Senators and the Chair exchange brief interjections.
Much has been said and written in recent days about the news that the process of change in the patronage of schools at primary level is under way, with parents in Arklow, Tramore, Castlebar, Trim and Whitehall – I did not mention anywhere in my constituency-----
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-----being asked what patron they would like to see running the local primary school. The responses of parents will be used to decide the changes to be made. One newspaper had a headline that parents are to vote as the church's grip on schools weakens. I do not see it as a weakening of church patronage of schools but as a matter of choice in primary education. I am strongly of the opinion that faith schools will continue to play a major role in the provision of primary education. The Minister for Education and Skills is coming to the Chamber today. As the process is ongoing, perhaps we could have an update on how the Minister feels the process is going. I congratulate the faith schools and the churches that have bought into this process. If the school hands over a building in one of these towns, it will not cease to operate but will amalgamate with another school in the locality and the building will be free for the schools to use.
I read a review by Geraldine Kennedy of Mary O'Rourke's new book and I see a full chapter of the book is devoted to Senator Terry Leyden. I am looking forward to that bedtime reading.
