County Dublin VEC has been chosen to be the patron of the new State model of Community National Schools. The first two schools will be opened in the Phoenix Park and Phibblestown, Dublin 15 in September 2008. A third school, Scoil Choilim, Diswellstown Dublin 15, which opened under the temporary patronage of the Catholic Church in September 2007 will also transition over to the community national school model within 2 years.

Community National Schools will be inter-denominational, providing for religious education and faith formation during the school day for each of the main faith groups represented and a general ethics programme for children whose parents opt for it. The schools will operate under an independent Board of Management on which County Dublin VEC will be represented, as patron.

This new model is a turning point for primary education in Ireland and County Dublin VEC is delighted to accept this responsibility.

View the full transcript of the Department of Education and Science press release.