Joint Statement by the Department of Education and Science and the Catholic School Patrons

There was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion about the different issues that may arise in planning for the future development of provision for primary education.

The Catholic School Patrons and the Department agreed that it was essential to engage in planning for change in a way that takes account of the demographics, settlement patterns, and a diversity of provision to accommodate parental choice.

In the context of increasing diversity of provision, it was agreed that the next step would be for the Department to use its databases and other information to identify some locations where an implementation framework could be developed in consultation with all stakeholders.

There will be ongoing contact between the Department and the Catholic School Patrons to progress all of this work.