Groups lobby Government for transfer of school patronage

A range of groups jostling for a larger slice of the patronage of Irish primary schools will begin presenting their case to the Department of Education today.

A range of groups competing for a larger slice of the patronage of Irish primary schools will begin presenting their case to the Department of Education today.

Currently, more than 90% of national schools in the Republic are run by the Catholic church.

Educate Together, the Islamic Foundation of Ireland and Gaelscoileanna are among the groups hoping to increase and diversify the options for primary education.

The Department of Education is expected to respond to their submissions later this year.