Secular body loses legal bid to become Cork school patron

A secular schools body lost its legal battle Friday to become patron of a new Cork primary school.

Mr Justice John Hedigan ruled “as correct and appropriate” the decision by the minister for education refusing an application by Secular Schools Ireland Ltd (SSI) for patronage of the school due to open in Carrigtohill this month. SSI claimed in a High Court challenge it had not been afforded fair procedures by the minister.

The judge said SSI was fully aware of the minister’s requirements with regard to a prescribed curriculum and other specific demands and had failed to meet them. In a reserved judgment, he said the State’s requirements towards any prospective patrons were “vital guarantees” to ensure the proper conduct of the school.