Church welcomes patronage report

The Catholic Bishops have welcomed a report published today that examines the possibility of the church divesting itself of patronage of some primary schools.

They said the Catholic Church in Ireland “does not see itself in the future as the sole or dominant provider of schools”.

Tánaiste and Minister for Education Mary Coughlan published the outcome of work undertaken by her Department, at the request of the church, to identify areas that may offer potential for the church to divest its patronage of certain primary schools.

Areas examined included Arklow, Co Wicklow; Athlone, Co Westmeath; Ballinasloe, Co Galway; Birr, Co Offaly; Killarney, Co Kerry; Tramore, Co Waterford; Dublin 4, 6 and 8; Portmarnock/Malahide, Co Dublin and Whitehall, Dublin.

In a statement, the Bishops’ Council for Education said the church had made clear “the commitment of Catholic communities throughout Ireland to providing denominational Catholic education to parents who desire such for their children”.

“Catholic schools in Ireland are caring, inclusive communities, which offer quality in teaching and learning, and which have made, are still making, and will continue to make an outstanding contribution to society and Church in Ireland.”

The bishops said the data made available by the Department today “provides solid information on existing schools in 10 geographical areas”.

But no particular school listed in the Department’s documentation is being prioritised as a potential candidate for divesting.

“Importantly, no school will undergo a change in patronage without a transparent process of consultation which takes full account of parental choice, the concerns and interests of the local community, teachers’ rights and the common good,” the bishops said.

They said parental choice was the “key area” with regard to education.

“An internal Church reflection on the nature and scope of Catholic schools and education for the next generation is now required,” the bishops added.

They said this would involve consultation with patrons and trustees, parents and students, parish pastoral councils, boards of management, Catholic colleges of education and other ecclesial bodies.

The bishops said they looked forward to progress on the steps that need to be taken in the development of a long-term framework with regard to the patronage of primary schools.

“Change needs to be thought through carefully. We invite those who are interested in the future of Catholic schools to make their views known and to contribute to this important debate in our society.”

Ms Coughlan said the possibility of the Catholic Church divesting itself of certain primary schools was raised by the church with her predecessor in November 2009 and it was discussed with senior representatives of the church.

SIC: IT