The bishops’ delegation raised the issues of conscience, care of the marginalised and support for parents who want a faith-based education for their children.

New group 'Faith in our schools' suggests allocation of up to 10% of places in oversubscribed Catholic schools to unbaptised / non Catholic children.

Most Catholic secondary schools are not viable without fundraising and that places a huge burden on school management.

"There is no divine right to a Catholic near-monopoly in education in Ireland."

Catholic education still has a vital place in the Irish educational system - Archbishop.

Application by Diocese of Cloyne with the Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) as well as Edmund Rice Schools Trust successful.