Healy Eames calls for debate on school patronage [advertiser.ie]
- Published: 12 August 2010
A comprehensive and wide-ranging debate on the issue of school patronage is needed across Galway city and county, according to Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on education Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
The comment follows the recent publication by Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan, of a list of areas, including Ballinasloe, that could be looked at initially and that may offer potential for the Church to divest itself of patronage of certain primary schools. While welcoming the publication, the council for education of the Irish Bishops’ Conference moved to allay potential fears by stressing that there were no imminent plans for closures or significant changes in patronage. The Catholic bishops further explained that no changes will be made until an extensive consultation process is undertaken with parents.
Senator Healy Eames said this week, “The issue of school patronage is a complex one that we must examine carefully so that we can ensure the educational needs of all communities are, and continue to be, adequately met for future generations”.
“Minister Coughlan recently indicated, at a meeting I attended, that she would come to a decision regarding patronage in September. I believe this is too soon since some of the most important partners in the education process, the parents, have yet to be consulted in a comprehensive way.
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