Catholic concern over school patronage [IrishTimes]
- Published: 23 June 2011
SCHOOL BOARDS of management could feel set upon if a change of patronage is imposed without full consultation, a leading Catholic Church representative has warned.
Addressing the National Forum on School Patronage and Pluralism in primary schools, Fr Michael Drumm of the Catholic Schools Partnership said there was a great danger local communities would not “buy into” the process if it was forced upon them.
During the hearing, Catholic Church representatives stressed their willingness to work towards a “reimagining” of school patronage . At present , the church controls close to 3,000 of the 3,200 primary schools in the State. They also pointed to the danger of a two-tier primary education system if there was parental choice with no limitation.
Chairman of the forum Prof John Coolahan questioned the bishops closely, asking them repeatedly if they were willing to take a proactive role in the transfer of patronage to other providers.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Forum on school patronage continues [IrishTimes]
- Published: 23 June 2011
The three-day forum on school patronage that began yesterday at the Department of Education continues today.
Yesterday, a leading Catholic Church representative warned boards of management could feel set upon if a change of patronage is imposed without full consultation.
Addressing the National Forum on School Patronage and Pluralism in primary schools, Fr Michael Drumm of the Catholic Schools Partnership said there was a great danger local communities would not “buy into” the process if it was forced upon them.
During the hearing, Catholic Church representatives stressed their willingness to work towards a “reimagining” of school patronage . At present , the church controls close to 3,000 of the 3,200 primary schools in the State. They also pointed to the danger of a two-tier primary education system if there was parental choice with no limitation.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Ireland criticised over legislation and education on LGBT issues [thejournal.ie]
- Published: 23 June 2011
A MAJOR REPORT published by the Council of Europe has criticised Ireland for failing to recognise transgender people.
The report – entitled Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Europe - issued on behalf of the council’s human rights body is the largest study ever taken in Europe and has taken two years to complete.
The report identifies that Ireland is one of the last remaining countries in Europe that has not changed its law to recognise transgender people. The government admitted a year ago that it is violating the European Convention on Human Rights when it withdrew an appeal with relation to Dr. Lydia Foy.
Full Story: www.thejournal.ie
16pc of primary pupils miss 20 days each year [herald.ie]
- Published: 23 June 2011
ONE in six Dublin primary school students miss more than 20 days of school a year, according to a report published by the National Education Welfare Board.
The report also revealed how nearly one in five post-primary students in the capital miss more than 20 school days every year.
Labour TD John Lyons, a former teacher, raised the issue in the Dail when he asked Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald for a breakdown of the figures for his own constituency, Dublin North West.
Mr Lyons told the Herald that nothing is being done to punish parents whose children are missing more than 20 days a year.
"The National Education Welfare Board hasn't been strong at taking serious action. It's a good set-up but the delivery on good attendance just isn't there.
Full Story: www.herald.ie
Laws stand in way of transfer of schools [IrishExaminer]
- Published: 23 June 2011
HOPES for the transfer of schools between patrons could be dashed unless bishops, trustees and the Department of Education can find ways around laws governing disposal of property held in trust.
Representatives of the Catholic bishops and the trustees of almost 2,900 Catholic primary schools raised the difficulties at the opening day of hearings held by the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.
Both groups expressed willingness to help meet the need for more diverse primary school provision and Professor John Coolahan, chairman of the advisory group to the forum, accepted they are not attempting to obstruct that process.
But, he said, it appears the whole process the forum is aiming for — to find ways of allowing for transfer of schools from one patron to another — could be "shanghaied" or "stalemated" unless ways around the problem are found.
Full Story: www.examiner.ie
