Two new multi-denominational primary schools will open in counties Dublin and in Galway next year.Educate Together will be patron of the new schools in Dublin's Ringsend/Sandymount area and in Knocknacarra in Galway.
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said he was particularly conscious of taking into account the clear parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage.
He said he was deferring the establishment of new primary schools for Swords in Dublin and for Midleton/Carrigtwohill in Co Cork pending further reviews of the areas by his department.
Mr Quinn also said consideration would be given to the opening of a Steiner school for Knocknacarra in 2015.