Three schools in Raheny are to stay under Catholic patronage after an in-depth debate in the North Dublin community.

The schools took part in a pilot scheme that investigated local interest for divestment, but Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed they were “not amenable to or potential candidates for transfer of patronage”.

Discussions on divestment, which took place in Autumn last year, involved parents and others with interest in the schools and became heated, The Irish Catholic understands.

While a minority of parents took a hard line in pushing for divestment, somewhere around 80% of parents who gave their views wanted to keep the school’s Catholic ethos.

Some 63 schools across the country participated in the pilot scheme, a joint project between the Department for Education and the Irish bishops’ conference.

The results were due to be released in March, but Minister Foley has yet to do so.

The Irish Catholic understands that the vast majority of schools favour retaining their Catholic patronage, leading to speculation that the reports’ release are being delayed as they reflect an unpopular political opinion.