Catholic group plays down school patronage reports

CATHOLIC Church representatives have said reports that up to 50% of Catholic schools will be transferred to other patrons under a new Government initiative are “way over the top”.

The Catholic Schools Partnership (CSP) expressed concern yesterday that reports of the 50% figure had raised fears that some Catholic schools might be forced to relinquish patronage against their will.

The CSP — which was established jointly by the Irish Bishops’ Conference and the Conference of Religious in Ireland — described the 50% figure which has been mentioned by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn as “way over the top.”