Concerns regarding school policy have been raised by the Church of Ireland.

During a meeting with the government, a delegation from the church, led by Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson, said it is worried about the threat of cutbacks to schools in Ireland, the Irish Times reports.

The issues of government policy on small schools and the upcoming value for money report were found to be particularly troubling, with the Church of Ireland explaining 120 Protestant primary schools stand to be affected should the number to define a small school be set at 86 pupils.

In addition, the delegation emphasised to the government just how important the Protestant block grant is to Church of Ireland secondary schools and their parents.

The meeting - which also centred on the need to ensure 1913-1922 centenary commemorations are sensitive to all traditions - was attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald, among other members of the government.

Written by Donal Walsh

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