Plans to increase the number of non-Catholic schools have been announced.
The Department of Education will engage with primary schools in eight pilot areas, including in parts of Dublin, with a view to transferring their patronage away from the Catholic church. The areas identified currently have no multi-denominational primary schools.
Education Minister Norma Foley says more choice is needed;
"I acknowledge the significant contribution that the Catholic Church has made, and continues to make, to the Irish education system. The Department and the Church recognise that there is a need for further progress in terms of visible and tangible change to provide more options of multi-denominational provision for parents."
To assist school patrons and school communities, the Department has published a guidance pack, setting out some general and practical information relating to the transfer of patronage.
Follow @98FM online for all the latest news
