Results of school patronage survey welcomed

THE results of a school patronage survey in the Whitehall area, which indicated a viable demand for additional patron choice, have been welcomed.

The survey, which was launched by Minister for Education & Skills, Ruairí Quinn, in November, sought to consult parents in five areas, including Whitehall (incorporating Kilmore West and Beaumont), on the choices of schools being made available to them.

Dublin North West TD John Lyons (Lab) welcomed the survey results.

“There were a total of 546 valid responses to the survey of parents in Whitehall, Kilmore West and Beaumont representing a total of 941 children,

? said Deputy Lyons.

“Of these, 356 of the 941 preferences stated that they would welcome a wider choice of school patronage while 292 stated that they would avail of that choice.

“This level of demand, the report states, should allow more choice for local parents in the ethos of their local school.

“It also proposes that this choice should be accommodated within the area’s current school infrastructure.

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Dublin North Central TD Aodhán � Ríordáin (Lab) said he was delighted to see the establishment of this scheme by Minister Quinn.

“Parents have a right to be consulted on the type of education that is being offered to them locally,

? he stated.

“I am equally delighted to see the desire for more options to be made available.

“This survey was never an attempt to criticise local schools but instead was an attempt by this Government to engage with parents at a local level.

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Deputy � Ríordáin said Ireland is a changing country with an increase in multiculturalism.

“It is important for the Government to be conscious of that when delivering education services to particular areas,

? he added.

Dublin North West TD Róisín Shortall (Lab) also welcomed the results.

“This was the first time that parents had a real say in the type of primary school they would like to see their children attend,

? said Deputy Shortall.

“This is a very positive step for our area and I am glad that the Department of Education says it has taken seriously what local parents have said.

?