A decision on the fate of Mr Tomás Ó Dúlaing, the principal of the Gaelscoil in Dunboyne who clashed with his school board over religion policy, will be decided over the next few weeks.
A hearing presided over by the school's patron, An Foras Patrúnachta, had not reached a decision after several hours of talks last night at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra.
The school's board has asked Foras to dismiss Mr Ó Dúlaing after he disagreed publicly with them over religious teaching in the school.
The outcome of the confrontation between the principal and the board could have ramifications at other schools. Mr Ó Dúlaing is seeking full re-instatement.
The principal suggested in March that matters of doctrine which separated Catholic and Protestant pupils in the school - such as Communion - should be placed outside school hours. He said that if Communion classes were held during school hours, Protestant children would have to leave class and this would be a form of segregation.
However, the board has said all religious teaching must take place within school hours. It has also taken exception to Mr Ó Dúlaing criticising its policy to parents in a letter in March. Mr Ó Dúlaing has been suspended on full pay for the last three months awaiting a final decision. During that time, relations between parents have become bitter, with the issue of religion and the principal's stand polarising opinion.
Because of the deeply held views involved, politicans have steered clear of the dispute. However a facilitator, Brother Luke Monahan, of the Marino Institute, has been trying to find common ground between all the parties.
While the official parent's association has declined to get involved in the issues, another group of parents has formed to lend support to the principal. Their spokesman, Mr Michael Dungan, said last night that he still hoped Mr Ó Dúlaing would be re-instated.
The INTO represented Mr Ó Dúlaing in last night's hearing and it has described his treatment so far as "disgraceful". Two senior officials of the union took part in the hearing, which began last Saturday.An Foras Patrúnachta is the patron body for 38 schools. All of the schools use the Irish language, and a small number of them, such as Dunboyne, are inter-denominational.
Members of An Foras, the local board of management, the INTO officials and Mr Ó Dulaing all took part in last night's hearing.