“It is not just a matter of re-opening the schools, it is putting in place the measures necessary to keep the schools open," says CPSMA general secretary Seamus Mulconry.

"If the Department of Education listens to people on the ground, provides additional resources and puts in place a proper road map we will see a return to school in the Autumn," says Seamus Mulconry.

The man to be the next Bishop of Meath, Tom Deenihan, has a wealth of experience in the field of education, having been a teacher, a diocesan education secretary and general secretary of the Catholic Primary School Managers Association.

"Catholic schools are most welcoming of people of different faiths. This is not a reason for maintaining patronage of most of the primary schools in the country, when more and more people want something else." – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin

“Catholic education has played a key role in the integration of new communities into Ireland and is one of the most valuable things we have” – CPSMA

Board of CPSMA expresses its appreciation to Fr Tom Deenihan, who has been General Secretary for almost three years, and brought enormous energy and commitment to the role.

The debate on Catholic primary schools has focused more on ideology than on reality: Fr Tom Deenihan.

Some concerns that new programme will "adversely affect religious instruction and a faith-based school’s characteristic spirit.”

Regrettable that debate on inclusion and inclusivity has focused on religious affiliation.