Three small rural primary schools have made history by deciding to switch from Catholic patronage.
The schools, located in Co Kerry and Co Roscommon, will transfer to multi-denominational status for the upcoming school year.
Scoil an Ghleanna, in the south of Kerry, open on Thursday as a State-run Community National School. One third of its pupils - just 14 in total - are non-Catholic.
It's the first time a school has made a "live" transfer, despite the Catholic Church previously transferring a small number of empty school buildings to multi-denominational patronage under lease arrangements.
Lecarrow School, Co Roscommon, and Tahilla National School, Co Kerry will both also reopen this week as multi-denominational Community National schools.
Both of these schools, who have eight pupils each, and Scoil an Ghleanna said ensuring their school's survival is a main factor behind the switch.
Principal of Scoil an Ghleanna, Sorcha Ni Chathain told RTE: "We had a third of our pupils who were non-religious, so we had to look at this.
"We needed to look at how we were going to keep pupils, and entice others.
"We are a beautiful school in the most stunning location, and now we can show - formally, on paper - that we are all inclusive."
The three schools will now provide a multi-belief and values programme for its pupils.
Communion and Confirmation preparations will take place outside of school hours.
