Multi-denominational body Educate Together is to run five out of seven new primary schools that are due to open this September.

The new schools are in the greater Dublin area, as well as Ashbourne and Kildare Town.

Announcing the new patronage arrangements, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn said a particular emphasis was being placed on meeting parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage.

One primary school will be opened under the patronage of the VECs. As previously announced, An Foras Pátrúnachta will run one other.

Minister Quinn has also revealed the patronage of a further eight new primary schools that are due to open in 2013.

Educate Together will run three of these schools, as will the VECs. An Foras Pátrúnachta has been awarded the patronage of two new schools for 2013.

