asked the Minister for Education the reasons for the inclusion of the following questions in an enrolment form for new pupils in primary schools:— (a) father's name (b) father's occupation; and if she will give an assurance that these questions will be rephrased to parents name(s) and parents occupation(s) as this would be more helpful to the school manager and parents for a number of varied reasons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary Schools' Enrolment Forms.
21.
The form referred to in the question would appear to be a school form and not one supplied by the Department. The official school register refers to parent/guardian. I must place on record that over a year ago I instructed the Department to examine all their forms and to eliminate references which could be regarded as discriminatory on sex grounds.
If the Deputy furnishes me with information in relation to any individual case which he may have in mind I shall have inquiries made in the matter.
I am pleased with the Minister's response. The Minister may be aware that there are schools in my constituency in which this principle is being practised. The principals of the schools in question have informed parents that it is being done as a direct result of instructions from the Department and that the schools concerned are extremely embarrassed.
That is not correct. The form the Deputy has referred to is a school form, not one supplied by the Department. I must emphasise that. I assure the Deputy that the Minister cannot be held responsible because of the board of management structures of the schools. The principle is being applied by the boards of management of the schools and therefore it is up to the boards of management to make decisions on the matters.
Would the Minister circularise the schools telling them they should not use this type of application form? It is discriminatory from the point of view of parents?
If I did that I would be overstepping the bounds of my responsibility. The schools have management boards. If I were dealing with schools in regard to which I have authority I would do what I considered to be correct. I should like to see all school authorities aware of my views on this matter and I hope they will act responsibly.