Only a third of teachers want the State to take complete control of primary schools, according to a new poll carried 
out by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO).
The poll surveyed 348 teachers in every county, and found that 34 per cent favoured the State taking control of all primary schools, while a further 47 per cent said the Catholic Church should relinquish control over some of its schools, a position in line with that of the hierarchy.
The poll also found that 67 per cent of primary school teachers taught religion willingly, while 24 per cent were uncomfortable teaching it. All primary school teachers are required to teach religion.
The poll comes as discussions continue over which primary schools, currently under the patronage of the Catholic Church, might be transferred to State control.
It is understood that the Department of Education are drafting a list of 10-12 urban areas where it thinks the Church might relinquish control.
The Irish Times reports that the areas being considered by the Department are all settled areas with little population growth.
Both Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and the head of the Bishops’ Education Commission, Bishop Leo O’Reilly, have previously indicated a recognition that the Catholic Church is in control of too many primary schools. Currently 92 percent of the country’s primary schools come under Catholic patronage.
Two polls conducted by Red C on behalf of The Iona Institute, in 2008 and 2009, showed that three-quarters of parents wanted to have the right to choose which type of school they sent their children to, with half still favouring denominational schools.