<Li> National schools date back to the introduction of state primary education in 1831 . They are usually controlled by a board of management under diocesan patronage and often include a local clergyman . The term "national school" has of late become partly synonymous with primary school in some parts . Recently, there have been calls from many sides for fresh thinking in the areas of funding and governance for such schools, with some wanting them to be fully secularised . </Li> <Li> Gaelscoileanna are a recent movement, started in the mid 20th century . The Irish language is the working language in these schools and they can now be found countrywide in English - speaking communities . They differ from Irish - language national schools in Irish - speaking regions in that most are under the patronage of a voluntary organisation, Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna Lán - Ghaeilge, rather than a diocesan patronage . Approximately 6% of primary school children attend Gaelscoils and approximately 3% attend Gaelcholáistí with 187 primary and post-primary schools across the country making it the fastest growing education sector . </Li> <Li> Multidenominational schools are another innovation . They are generally under the patronage of a non-profit limited company without share capital . They are often opened due to parental demand and students from all religions and backgrounds are welcome . Many are under the patronage of voluntary organisations such as Educate Together or An Foras Pátrúnachta . At least one proposed school has been approved under the patronage of the regional ETB, who generally run vocational secondary schools . </Li> <Li> Preparatory schools are independent, fee - paying primary schools that are not reliant on the state for funding . These typically serve to prepare children for entry to fee - paying independent or voluntary secondary schools . Most are under the patronage of a religious order . </Li>

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