CORK ETB WELCOMES AWARD OF PATRONAGE FOR NEW SCHOOL IN CARRIGTWOHILL

11th June 2015

The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan T.D., announced the outcome of the patronage determination process for a new primary schools due to open in Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork in September 2015. Patronage of the new school for Carrigtwohill is being awarded to the Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) and the school will operate as multi-denominational Community National School.

Cork ETB Chief Executive, Ted Owens, welcomed the announcement that patronage of the new school in Carrigtwohill has been awarded to Cork ETB, and commented that the Community National School model is a real alternative in terms of patronage model, providing local statutory authority in the region that is responsive and answerable to the local community. The new school is multi-denominational with respect for all religions and beliefs.

Announcing the patronage, Minister O’Sullivan said: “The decisions taken by me on patronage of these new schools place a particular emphasis on providing for demonstrated parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage. Both schools will optimise parental choice and strengthen diversity of provision in the areas in which they are to be established.”

The Minister expressed her thanks to the members of the New Schools Establishment Group (an independent advisory group which advises the Minister on the patronage of new schools, following its consideration of a report prepared by Department Officials) for their valuable input. She said: “The system used to establish new schools and appoint school patrons was introduced to ensure an objective and transparent process and the role of the New Schools Establishment Group is critical to achieving these aims.”

Last February Minister O’Sullivan announced that a total of four new primary schools will open in September 2015 to meet demographic needs. Department Officials will shortly contact each of the patron bodies regarding the establishment of these new schools.

ENDS

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