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Education Minister Ruairí Quinn today outlined his response to the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.

Meeting with the main education partners, the Minister said he broadly accepted the recommendations on divestment made by the Advisory Group and had requested that the process leading to divesting of patronage in areas of stable population begin immediately.

Minister Quinn said:

For many parents this will be the first time they will have a real say in the type of primary school they want their children to go to, whether it is denominational, multi-denominational, all-Irish or other. Surveys of parents will begin in the first identified town areas in the autumn.

These surveys will commence in the autumn in 44 town areas.

Minister Quinn said:

I believe there will be a lot of interest in each area where a survey will be conducted and I am anxious that the local debate and surveys take place in a calm and respectful manner.

My Department will consult with the patron bodies on a code of practice which will ensure that local discussions are conducted in a reasonable fashion.

At the briefing, Minister Quinn reiterated his view that there is a need to balance making real and substantial progress on ensuring diversity of choice of primary schools for parents, with the longer term need to ensure buy-in by the education partners to agreed arrangements for more diversity and inclusiveness, particularly in schools where choice of patronage is not available.

Minister Quinn said:

I recognise that these issues are complex and very significant and I have decided that there should be a public consultation process on the findings and recommendations in the report with regard to promoting more inclusiveness in schools, particularly in ‘Stand Alone Schools’ where transfer of patronage is not an option.

The Minister outlined his intention to issue a formal call for submissions from education stakeholders and any other interested parties in September with a deadline for receipt of submissions of end November. The Minister has asked the National Parents Council to advise on the development of an information leaflet for parents which will be circulated to all primary schools in the autumn to ensure parents are fully informed about the consultation process.

Watch excerpts from Minister Quinn’s speech and press conference: