An Foras Pátrúnachta (AFP) has announced recently that Scoil Chaitlín Maude in Tallaght is the first gaelscoil in Dublin to be divested from the Archdiocese of Dublin to An Foras Pátrúnachta. Scoil Chaitlín Maude was established in 1985 and has a student population of 350 with 30 staff. General Secretary of An Foras Pátrúnachta, Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, spoke of the decision: “This is an historic decision and the school community is to be commended for their pioneering approach. Recognition must be given to the Archdiocese for their support as a school patron for over 30 years. We are delighted to be building on that solid foundation.” “AFP is the only Irish-medium patron for Irish-medium schools. AFP aims to provide high quality Irish-medium education to support the growth of Irish language communities. We are excited to support the school and to build on the great work that has been ongoing for many years.”
Speaking of the announcement, Pádraig Ó Duibhir, Chairperson of Scoil Chaitlín Maude said; “This move is the result of a process that has received the full support of the school community. We are delighted that the school will be able to benefit from all the patronage and management support provided by An Foras Pátrúnachta through Irish.”
Speaking recently, Bairbre Ní Ghoill, Principal of Scoil Chaitlín Maude, said; “We are very grateful for the help the Archdiocese has given us since the school was established. We are also very pleased to continue this relationship to cater for children of the Catholic faith in our school. We feel that this move to an Irish-medium patron is a timely decision and we are very grateful to the Archdiocese and AFP for all their guidance and help with the divestment process.
Responding to the demands of today’s society, future students will have the choice of undertaking an Ethics and Morality Program or a Catholic Program. This historic transfer means that there will be three Irish-medium schools now in the greater Tallaght area giving pupils and parents a choice of three ethoses. This is a reflection of the growth and demand within the sector.
