Multi-denominational schools are to be treated on an equal basis with religious-run schools following a change in policy by the Department of Education.
Up to now multi-denominational schools had to serve a probationary period - which could last several years - before they were given the same level of financial support as denominational schools.
Now, this probationary period, known as "temporary recognition", has been waived for the first time - for a new multi-denominational primary school on Henrietta Street, Dublin. Unlike previous cases, this school will be given permanent Department of Education recognition and the top level of funding from the day it opens.
This means the school will receive 95 per cent State funding, rather than the 75 per cent which comes with temporary recognition.
Under the old system, the Department did not grant permanent recognition until the multi-denominational schools could prove their long-term viability. This process often took years.
Because denominational schools could use baptismal registers from their parishes it was easy for them to demonstrate immediately long-term viability, but this could not be done by multi-denominational schools.
The national body representing multi-denominational schools, Educate Together, described the move as a "breakthrough" and a milestone for the multi-denominational education movement.
"This gives us great confidence and it also takes the pressure off parents to raise significant amounts of money to give their children the education of their choice," said Ms Sheila Hanley, chairwoman of the Henrietta Street school.
While multi-denominational schools can now apply for permanent recognition, like all schools they also have to show there is future demand for places and that the board of management is capable of running the school properly.
The practice of using temporary recognition for multi-denominational schools has been described as discriminatory by Educate Together for several years.
It pointed out that while their schools had to wait several years before the Department recognised their viability, Catholic schools, for instance, were given permanent recognition as soon as an application was received by the patron, normally a bishop in the diocese.
While the Department has yet to announce officially the change in policy, under the Education Act 1998 the State is obliged to provide diversity in education provision.
All parts of this Act have to be implemented by the end of the year and the change in how multi-denominational schools are treated is a requirement of the Act, according to Mr Paul Rowe, chairman of Educate Together.