The INTO expressed disappointment with the Minister’s comments ruling out a discussion forum in relation to changes in school patronage, a long standing demand of the union.

John Carr, General Secretary of the union, said the Minister appears to be turning his back on an opportunity to shape future school provision in a planned, coherent and transparent way.

“Change of this magnitude needs detailed public debate and consultation,” said Mr Carr.

He said there were significant dangers in the Minister’s approach which could lead to the development of a two tiered system.

The INTO also said the Minister’s minimalist approach raised more questions than answers. “At most he is talking about is twenty schools in ten urban areas,” said Mr Carr.

“Providing for diversity is not just an urban issue. What about the rights of minorities in rural Ireland?” asked Mr Carr.

He also said the Minister needed to make clear if he was talking about closing schools or transferring patronage.

The INTO said clarity was needed on who would decide on what schools in an area might be affected, how this might be decided and what rights teachers would have in such a process.

Mr Carr said action was needed because current school regulations and current school provision do not make it easy to accommodate increasing diversity. But he said any action would need widespread support.

“Given the limited potential of denominational schools to fully accommodate Ireland’s new diversity and the limitations of the exchequer to provide an unlimited choice of school types it is time to consider how best to provide for Ireland’s changing school population.”

“This should be done in public and everyone given a chance to put forward their views and concerns. That is why I have consistently argued for a Forum on School Governance,” said Mr Carr.

“When originally established in 1831 it was intended that primary schools would provide non-denominational secular education for all children in the same school with separate religious education.

This was certainly an idea before its time, but has its time now come?”

ENDS