Challenges for the Irish education system for the next generation and beyond: the issue of school patronage

There are currently about three thousand primary (national) schools in Ireland. Over 95% are under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Church; about 3% are under the patronage of the Church of Ireland; a very small number of schools are under the patronage of the Presbyterian or Methodist Churches; two schools are under Muslim patronage; there is one school under Jewish patronage; there are 39 schools in the Educate Together network; and about the same number under the patronage of An Foras Gaelscolaíochta. Special schools for intellectually and physically challenged children are under the patronage of a variety of organisations and bodies, including St. Michael’s House and other corporate bodies.