Catholic primary schools

Abstract

"Irish culture and society are going through a period of accelerated change. Nowhere is this more evident than in the education system. For much of the twentieth century Irish primary schools operated in a society that was largely homogenous, where the level of change was gradual in response to the needs of a fledgling State. With the advent of entry into the European Union and the resultant upturn in the Irish economy the character, nature and quality of life in Ireland has changed. The growth in material prosperity, the questioning of traditional values and the influx of people to Ireland has introduced a complexity to education that is a challenge for both Church and State. This brief policy document is offered as an indication of how the Catholic Church sees its role in the provision of primary education in the years ahead." (p. 2)