A leading figure in Catholic education in Ireland has said that only a small percentage of Irish parents would avail of schools under different patronage to the Catholic Church if offered the choice.
Speaking on Spirit Radio, Fr Michael Drumm, chair of the Catholic Schools Partnership, pointed to figures compiled by the Irish Government during its 2011 Forum on School Patronage.
“Between 2% and 8% would avail of alternative patronage if available,” he said, adding that while he personally believed parents should be accommodated in their choice of schooling for their children, “the problem you have is the number of people being discommoded is probably far greater than the number you’re trying to satisfy”.
Questioned on current debates around school places and Catholic schools prioritising Catholic pupils – as provided for in law – Fr Drumm rejected the idea that the issue was widespread in Ireland and said the debate on admissions “is being used to criticise Catholic schools in a way that is unfair”.
“Most schools are out looking for more pupils,” he pointed out. “Twenty percent are oversubscribed, and the vast majority of these are in South Dublin.”
Referencing admissions criteria used in British schools, Fr Drumm said: “Imagine geography as a criterion. You might be excluded for living in a street just too far from the school. So, people will still be disgruntled.”
On the issue of choice for parents seeking schools, Fr Drumm insisted that “the simplest way to provide more choice is through new schools”.
