The Catholic Church last night called for more inter-denominational national schools to be set up under vocational education committee control. The church welcomed news that there would be new "community national schools" which will be piloted in two locations from next September -- one in the Phoenix Park and the other in Phibblestown, Dublin 15.
Dublin's Archbishop Dermot Martin said consideration should be given to extending the pilot programme to more urban and rural communities.
He repeated his view that Catholic schools are over represented in the national school system.
The Archbishop said that Catholic schools, in practice, had been, and would continue to be, a model of integration.
The Catholic primary school management association said it welcomed the fact that provision had been made for religious instruction.
However, Educate Together said it was surprised at the change announced by the minister, as it had signalled its intention to open multi-denominational schools in the three areas identified.
Amending legislation will be needed to underpin the VEC role in the primary sector. The education minister will act as interim patron in advance of the legislation being enacted.
The boards of management will be independent, unlike boards of vocational schools, which are sub-committees of the VECs. However, the chairperson will be the chief executive of the Co Dublin VEC.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation will be the union involved for the teachers.
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