Plan for divesting schools criticised as unfair, claims Educate Together

Education Minister Richard Bruton’s plans to speed up the divestment of religious primary schools to new patrons face strong challenge as a multi-denominational schools group claims they prioritise the Catholic Church’s wishes over those of parents.

His department said there is no conflict of interest in asking education and training boards (ETBs) to have a role in the selection of areas where bishops or religious orders should hand over schools to new patrons.

But Educate Together says the boards have a vested and direct interest in the process. It is competing with local ETBs to open four new multi-denominational primary schools in Cork and Dublin.