Letter to the Editor: Bishop’s comments on patronage of our schools are ‘mistaken and misleading’

Dear Sir - Reflecting on Bishop Tom Deenihan’s recent comments about school patronage, (Meath Chronicle, May 2nd), it’s important not to conflate the everyday enjoyment and well-being of students with the constitutional question of who governs our schools.

Having spent my entire teaching career in Catholic schools working to create many happy memories, I expect that schools under the patronage of Educate Together, Gaelscoileanna, the Church of Ireland, Muslim and others would say the same. I am not aware of schools where children are unhappy because of the patronage label above the door.

The bishop’s claim that those who argue for divestment or reform of school patronage are accusing Catholic schools of being “grim places of indoctrination” is mistaken and misleading.

The patronage debate is about governance, accountability and equity—not a wholesale indictment of Catholic schools or their teachers. But local happiness is distinct from the core issue: who ultimately holds responsibility for governance, accountability and the protection of every child’s rights.

The European Court of Human Rights (O Keefe 2014) emphasised that responsibility rests with the State. Replacing one patron with another perpetuates a fragmented, nineteenth‑century model in which the State funds education but offloads final authority to a multiplicity of largely non‑elected bodies—now numbering over twenty—bringing risks of duplication, inconsistent practice and barriers to coherent, equitable policy.

A modern, democratic response should reassert the State as primary governor through a single, democratically accountable framework administered by a public education body.

This idea resonates with the Stanley Letter of 1831, which established a national school, state‑funded system with a common curriculum and public oversight while separating denominational instruction so conscience would not prevent common education. That approach balanced shared schooling and respect for belief under clear public responsibility.

Bishop Deenihan suggests that “all the bishops are totally behind the concept of divesting”.

He identifies parental choice as “ the stumbling block” to divestment as many parents may resist changes for several reasons, such as the religious affiliation of their schools or their emotional and historical ties. This resistance can limit access for families with diverse beliefs, highlighting the need for proactive leadership from bishops and educational authorities.

By fostering open dialogue and guiding communities toward inclusivity, leaders can bridge the gap between parental preferences and the goal of creating equitable educational environments for all. Simply acquiescing to a “that’s democracy” stance on parental choice does not reflect sound educational leadership.

I welcome that many schools are happy and well supported; that is worth defending. We can preserve local character and parental choice while clarifying lines of responsibility, accountability, and inclusion, ensuring every child is protected by equal rights to education under the constitution.

Yours

Sean O Diomasaigh,

Retired School Principal and Schools’ Inspector,

Kiltale, Dunsany.