Running our schools - Opportunity in change

AS religious observation, or at least the observation of Christianity, declines all across Europe it seems inevitable that arrangements that once recognised the central position of religion in societies are being reviewed.

The intention of Education Minister Ruairí Quinn to begin transferring some primary schools under the management of the Catholic hierarchy to new patrons within a year is just part of that process.

It is a fact that Catholic teaching orders educated generations of Irish people and gave them the training and confidence to make their way in the world.

It is also a fact that society’s expectations in relation to education provision have changed. It is also a fact that Irish Catholicism is no longer in a position to provide the manpower — or woman-power — needed to sustain its grip on education. It may even be that thisprocess, already welcomed by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, will benefit both society and Catholicism.