Background to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector

Background to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector

In March 2011 the then Minister Ruairí Quinn announced the establishment of a Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector. He appointed an Advisory Group to receive and assess the various views and perspectives submitted including those of parents, patrons, teachers and the wider community. The Group was tasked with providing the Minister with policy advice within the Terms of Reference of the Forum.

The Advisory Group conducted a number of meetings in public and sought submissions from the main stakeholder groups and the public as part of its work. 215 written submissions were received and these were examined by the Advisory Group. Public working sessions with the main stakeholder groups were held on 22, 23 and 24 June 2011 and a further plenary session was held on 17 November 2011.

Following the November session a further 32 submissions were received. These working sessions were broadcast live over the Internet and recordings of the working sessions are available from this website. The Advisory Group also held consultation sessions with primary and post-primary pupils to ensure their views were considered as part of the Group's deliberations.

Relevant Links

• 01 July, 2014 - Update on Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in Primary Sector published by Minister Quinn
• 23 September, 2013 - Minister Quinn launched public consultation on inclusiveness in primary schools - Closed 22 November, 2013
• 23 September, 2013 - Call for Submissions on the Recommendations of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector (Closing date passed)
• 02 April, 2013 - Report on the Surveys Regarding Parental Preferences on Primary School Patronage published.
• 11 December, 2012 Report to New Schools Establishment Group on the pilot surveys regarding parental preferences on primary school patronage published
• 11 July, 2012 - Invitation for Expressions of Interest for Patronage of Primary Schools- Closed 27th July, 2012
• 20 June 2012 Minister Quinn outlines action plan in response to Patronage Forum Advisory Group report - Minister's Speech - Update of list of areas for initial Divesting Surveys
• On 10 April 2012 the Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector was published by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D.