The retraction of patronage of the proposed new Lucan school was welcomed by Educate Together, the multi-denominational patron body which has been campaigning to break into second-level and already has five primary schools in Lucan.

Labour TD Joanna Tuffy said however that it was unprecedented to take back or review a decision about patronage.

Meanwhile, a department spokesperson confirmed that a general application to be considered as a patron body for new schools in developing areas had been received from the Loreto order of nuns.

This revelation that the Catholic Church wishes to continue to open schools at second-level, including schools in growing communities that have a broad cultural mix, throws the patronage process wide open.

"Several significant factors are emerging which suggest that a detailed review, examination and consideration of the State's policy regarding the establishment and support of new post-primary schools is warranted," a department spokesperson said.

The Catholic Church has complained that it has not been awarded patronage of its fair share of second-level schools over the past two decades. Ferdia Kelly of the Joint Managerial Body, which represents Catholic school managements across the State, said:

"We would continue to feel that we have been catering for students in Lucan, along with the voluntary secondary school sector, for many years. We have been very successful in dealing with students of all faiths." (Source: Irish Independent)