A three-day meeting to discuss patronage and pluralism in primary schools began today (June 22nd) at the Department of Education and Skills in Dublin.

Professor John Coolahan is chairing a forum that also includes Fionnuala Kilfeather and Dr Caroline Hussey and said the purpose of the working session is to provide an opportunity for the panel to "tease out the issues ... with the main stakeholders".

"This is just one aspect of the multi-dimensional approach, which the advisory group has adopted in addressing its terms of reference," he commented.

Since its launch on April 19th, the panel has sought submissions from 14 stakeholders and other interested parties.

The group has received 200 written submissions, which will be discussed over the next few days.

After hearing from those involved in the consultation and investigating the way patronage and pluralism is addressed in other countries' education systems, the forum will prepare a report to advise Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn in November.

The politician asked interested parties to submit their views on themes such as diversity within schools.   

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