Teachers' union welcomes patronage review

The Irish National Teachers Organisation has today welcomed the Education Minister's review of the patronage of primary schools.

Ruairí Quinn today announced details of the establishment of a forum, which will take place over the coming months, with changes to take place next year.

The Minister said that he wants to ensure that up to half of the 92% of national schools run by the Catholic Church are divested.

General secretary of the INTO Sheila Nunan said that the move will allow for greater diversity and a wider choice for parents.

"As an organisation, we are very concerned that there has not been the kind of discussion that's been necessary around the issue of the type of schools for the modern Ireland that we have now," she said.