Co Kildare TD calls for new Educate Together School in Leixlip

A Co Kildare TD says that patron bodies must be better supported when establishing new schools.

Fianna Fáil TD Frank O'Rourke  was commenting as new patronage arrangements were announced for new schools in North Dublin, Wicklow, Galway and Drogheda.

He said:“In North Kildare, we are seeking a new Educate Together School in Leixlip. The area has been identified as being in need of increased school diversity."

Deputy O'Rourke said:“Only recently, I raised this issue with the Minister for Education, and it’s clear that the Department is not giving patrons the support they need."

He said:“However, it’s really important that Educate Together and other school patronage bodies are given the support and resources needed to deliver on their new schools. Patrons such as Educate Together will provide a greater array of ethos options for parents and students. However, while the announcement of a new patron is an important step, it is but one of a number of steps that parents want to see progress on. Parents want to know when sites and permanent buildings will be provided – that is a core concern for parents. "

Deputy O'Rourke said:“Without additional supports, parents and local communities will be forced to continue to do the heavy lifting to deliver these schools. The Government needs to match its rhetoric around diversity in education with supports for those delivering education on the ground. Educate Together must now be given the supports it needs to ensure that the quality of these new schools meets its requirements."

He said:"A voluntary body such as Educate Together cannot possibly be expected to meet the administrative costs of opening new schools.  It has been expected to do this in the past."