Comprehensive schools were introduced into Ireland in 1966 by an initiative by Patrick Hillery, Minister for Education, to give a broader range of education compared to that of the vocational school system, which was then the only system of schools completely controlled by the state. Until then, education in Ireland was largely dominated by religious persuasion, particularly the voluntary secondary school system was a particular realisation of this. The comprehensive school system is still relatively small and to an extent has been superseded by the community school concept. The Irish word for a comprehensive school is a 'scoil chuimsitheach.' COUNT 4
QSN1 When did Ireland first open comprehensive schools? ANS1 1966 QSN2 Who was responsible for creating comprehensive schools in Ireland? ANS2 Patrick Hillery QSN3 What was the only state-run educational system in Ireland prior to comprehensive schools? ANS3 vocational school system QSN4 What type of school has surpassed comprehensive schools in Ireland? ANS4 community school