Statement by the Diocese of Down and Connor in response to media inquiries regarding St Colm’s High School, Belfast.

08 Jul 2014

The Diocese of Down and Connor was surprised to learn this morning from an article published in The Irish News that the DUP Education spokesperson Mervyn Storey MLA has written to Bishop Noel Treanor in reference to Gaeltacht Scholarships offered to two pupils from St Colm’s High School, Twinbrook. Such bursaries being part of the usual school life, neither the diocese nor Bishop Treanor were consulted in advance. As of Tuesday evening 8th July, Bishop Treanor has not received this letter. Bishop Treanor will seek clarification and information from the Board of Governors before giving any further comment.

 ENDS

Note to Editors:

The Diocese of Down and Connor was not contacted for right of reply in advance of the publication of the article regarding these scholarships in The Irish News this morning.

Fr Eddie McGee Tel. 078111 44268