The Taoiseach has said the Government will consider a proposal by the Archbishop of Dublin for a national forum to look at the system of school patronage.
In a speech last night, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said he believes it is no longer tenable to have 92% of all primary schools managed by the Catholic Church.
The issue was raised in the Dáil this morning by Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, who said the Archbishop was far ahead of the Government on this issue.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen denied that he was 'kicking the issue into touch', saying he had not had a chance to read the speech.
However, he said he would have it studied and seek the views of the Minister concerned.
He said he did not make policy on the basis of not having read what a person had said, adding that he was sorry he did not 'make up policy on the hoof overnight'.
Dr Martin made his comments during an address to primary school principals last night.
He warned against a panic reaction and said change should be slow.
It is not the first time that Archbishop Martin has said the current system of school patronage needs changing.
Now he says he believes the question needs to be addressed more rapidly.
The Archbishop says ‘the current almost monopoly’ is a historical hangover which does not reflect the realities of the times.
However he has warned against what he has called a 'panic reaction'.
Dr Martin said a solution based on the polemics of the moment was less likely to be successful than one involving constructive reflection.
He said any new system should be reached as a result of consultation and debate - a protracted process over a period of years.
