Transfer of patronage of Scoil Chaitlín Maude from the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin to An Foras Pátrúnachta

Archbishop Dermot Farrell has welcomed the conclusion of negotiations between the board of management of Scoil Chaitlín Maude in Tallaght, with An Foras Pátrúnachta and the diocesan education secretariat of the Archdiocese of Dublin, which has resulted in the transfer of its school patronage from the Archdiocese to An Foras Pátrúnachta.

Archbishop Farrell said, “This transfer marks a new chapter in Ireland’s education system. Scoil Chaitlín Maude will provide education through the medium of Irish to Catholic children and to children of other faiths and none.

“During the school day provision will be made for the faith formation, religious education and sacramental preparation of Catholic children in accordance with the Grow in Love primary Catholic education programme. Other children will follow a moral and ethics programme.  This is truly a multi-denominational school to cater for the needs of the Irish speaking community in Tallaght. This is a good model for the future to accommodate parents’ requests.”

Archbishop Farrell continued, “I am willing to enter into further discussions with An Foras Pátrúnachta regarding other gaelscoileanna.  I wish to thank the education partners, the board of management and staff of Scoil Chaitlín Maude, Minister for Education, Norma Foley, and her officials, for progressing this new arrangement.”

ENDS

For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long mlong@catholicbishop.ie and Katie Crosby info@catholicbshops.ie

Scoil Chaitlín Maude divesting to An Foras Pátrúnachta

An Foras Pátrúnachta (AFP) has announced today that Scoil Chaitlín Maude in Tallaght is the first gaelscoil in Dublin to be divested from the Archdiocese of Dublin to An Foras Pátrúnachta.

Scoil Chaitlín Maude was established in 1985 and has a student population of 350 with 30 staff.

General Secretary of An Foras Pátrúnachta, Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, spoke of the decision: “This is an historic decision and the school community is to be commended for their pioneering approach. Recognition must be given to the Archdiocese for their support as a school patron for over 30 years. We are delighted to be building on that solid foundation now. ”

“AFP is the only Irish-medium patron for Irish-medium schools. AFP aims to provide high quality Irish-medium education to support the growth of Irish language communities. We are excited to support the school and to build on the great work that has been ongoing for many years.”

Speaking of today’s announcement, Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Chairperson of Scoil Chaitlín Maude said; “This move is the result of a process that has received the full support of the school community. We are delighted that the school will be able to benefit from all the patronage and management support provided by An Foras Pátrúnachta through Irish.”

Speaking today, Bairbre Ní Ghoill, Principal of Scoil Chaitlín Maude, said; “We are very grateful for the help the Archdiocese has given us since the school was established. We are also very pleased to continue this relationship to cater for children of the Catholic faith in our school. We feel that this move to an Irish-medium patron is a timely decision and we are very grateful to the Archdiocese and AFP for all their guidance and help with the divestment process.

Responding to the demands of today’s society, future students will have the choice of undertaking an Ethics and Morality Program or a Catholic Program.

This historic transfer means that there will be three Irish-medium schools now in the greater Tallaght area giving pupils and parents a choice of three ethoses. This is a reflection of the growth and demand within the sector.

ENDS

Further information:

Caoimhín Ó hEaghra :: caoimhin@foras.ie :: 086-1738044 :: www.foras.ie