A senior figure in Catholic education in the North has condemned what
he describes as ''veiled threats'' against Catholic schools.
Donal Flanagan, head of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
(CCMS) hit out at ''some people in leadership roles in our society''
issuing veiled threats about the funding of Catholic schools.
His comments come just weeks after First Minister Peter Robinson
insisted that he was not in favour of faith-based schools receiving
state funding.
''It surprises me that at a time when we are seeking to promote
respect and understanding we are issued with veiled threats about the
future funding of Catholic schools.
''Arising from these recent controversial remarks I have sought to
brief myself on how others in leadership roles view the contribution of
Catholic schools.
''Not surprisingly, I didn't have to travel too far because in
Scotland the First Minister Alex Salmond has taken a very different
stance on faith-based education,'' Mr Flanagan said.
Speaking during the state visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland and
England Mr Salmond said the Church contributed immensely to Scotland
through ''its flourishing Catholic schools''.
Mr Flanagan invited Mr Robinson ''to recognise and celebrate the
contribution which Catholic schools make to the raising of standards and
the promotion of the common good in our society.
''Furthermore, I would ask that he engages in this debate in an
atmosphere of respect where people don't feel diminished or
threatened,'' Mr Flanagan said.
After the First Minister's speech last month, his comments provoked
criticism and anger from Church leaders and nationalist politicians.
The North's Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has insisted that
faith-schools will continue to be supported. She has said that rather
than a problem, pluralism in education in the North is recognised as one
of the strengths of the sector.
SIC: IC/IE