As parishes transfer more schools to non-religious patrons, the law must be changed to allow remaining schools be unapologetically Catholic.

That’s according to Bishop Tom Deenihan of the Catholic hierarchy’s Council for Education.

He told The Irish Catholic there is a need for the Government to remove a controversial law on that prevents Catholic primary schools from favouring Catholic children for admission when the school is over-subscribed. He said it risks preventing Catholic schools from catering for the needs of those who want an authentic faith-based education.

“Our position is that if parental choice is the determinant – and I think it has to be – then parents who wish for a Catholic education have to be accommodated,” Bishop Deenihan told The Irish Catholic.