Laws stand in way of transfer of schools

HOPES for the transfer of schools between patrons could be dashed unless bishops, trustees and the Department of Education can find ways around laws governing disposal of property held in trust.

Representatives of the Catholic bishops and the trustees of almost 2,900 Catholic primary schools raised the difficulties at the opening day of hearings held by the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.

Both groups expressed willingness to help meet the need for more diverse primary school provision and Professor John Coolahan, chairman of the advisory group to the forum, accepted they are not attempting to obstruct that process.