Irish bishops to give some primary schools to government

October 19, 2009

Ireland’s bishops-- who operate 92% of the nation’s primary schools-- will begin negotiations with the government next month to hand over some of their 3,000 primary schools. The negotiations follow a request from Brigid McManus, the secretary general of the government’s Department of Education and Science, for a list of schools that the bishops would be willing to give to the government.

John Walshe of the Irish Independent explains:

Ireland is unique in having so many primary schools that are essentially privately owned, even if the State is paying the teachers and most of the running costs. Unlike other countries, we don't have a State system of primary schools, apart from nine 'model schools' that are under the patronage of the Minister for Education, and two VEC-run pilot community national schools.

 

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Further information:

• Bishops to hand over schools (Irish Independent)
• Equality must be priority in new system (Irish Independent)