Parents of children in Catholic secondary schools have claimed the Department of Education is discriminating against them in funding and transport.
The Catholic Secondary School Parents' Association (CSPA) said the lack of funding was so bad their schools should be placed on "the endangered species list".
Ms Barbara Johnston, its spokeswoman, said Catholic schools were losing out to community and comprehensive schools, which received better support. "Our teachers do not have the resources available in the State system and struggle to give our children an equitable education. Every year we lose schools from the voluntary system to the State system. If this continues we will eventually only have free education available in a purely State system similar to the US and Britain," she said.
"CSPA believes that all children are entitled to an equitable education and one that supports their religious beliefs." Ms Johnston also said the Department should review its policy on school transport.
"Currently, grant-aid is available to students from minority religions, allowing them to travel to relevant schools if these schools are outside their catchment area.
"A Catholic student is not so lucky. If the voluntary Catholic secondary school they wish to attend is outside their catchment area, similar grant-aid is not available," she said.
Many parents had expressed serious concern about the state of school buses. "They believe that some buses currently used in Ireland have failed tests in Britain," she said.