Primary schools debate

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan has arranged a Dáil debate on the future patronage of primary schools next Thursday.

The Education Minister gave a commitment to opposition TDs last week to hear views on how the diversification of Irish society should be reflected in the schools system. The debate comes as the Department of Education finalises a list of 10 areas around the country where there may be scope for the Catholic Church to divest ownership of primary schools in communities where there may be demand for alternative forms of patronage.