asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of a decision made by the Catholic Primary School Managers' Association that only practising Roman Catholics would be considered for new appointments as teachers; if her approval was sought for such a move; if she has discussed it with the Catholic School Managers' Association; if she considers it appropriate that such a condition should be laid down when the teachers' salaries are paid by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Teachers.
12.
The schools referred to in the question are, like the vast majority of the other primary schools in the State, conducted in accordance with the religious beliefs of the patrons and boards of management and of those attending the schools. The denominational nature of the national school system is explicitly recognised by the State in pursuance of the provisions of Articles 42 and 44 of the Constitution. The requirements in the matter of religion for teachers who teach in denominationally controlled schools is a matter for the school management authority and one on which it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
Accepting and understanding the denominational nature of these schools, the question relates to the regulation. I do not know if anyone is aware that it existed. Was the Minister aware that this existed previously? Is this a new regulation in relation to practising Roman Catholics? If she approves of it, will she elucidate on what "practising" means? How much practice?
I would have to reiterate my answer to the Deputy in that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter which is for the school management authority. These Catholic schools cannot be denied the right which the Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Jewish schools have in the matter of religion and teachers in their schools. I am afraid it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter which is for the school management authority and is recognised by the State under the Constitution in Articles 42 and 44.
Wittingly or unwittingly, the Minister is misunderstanding the purport of the question.
She is running from the cloth.
My intention is not in any way to question the constitutional position of the schools and their right to select——
Has the Deputy a question?
My question is to the Minister. Since the Minister as the Minister responsible for education is the paymaster of the teachers, can she explain the regulations to me? Does it mean it is only for new entrants to the teaching profession or does it apply to all teachers on moving from one school to another or on promotion? Is this question an appropriate question to ask on interview? This is a matter for the Minister and for those responsible for payments of the taxpayers' money to the teachers. How does it operate?
As I explained to the Deputy, that is not a matter for the Minister. The vast majority of primary schools are organised under denominational lines as allowed for in the Constitution. The questions which the Deputy is asking are a matter for the school management authority and I must reiterate that it would be quite inappropriate for me to make the kind of comment which the Deputy appears to want me to make.
Will the Minister let me know where this information can be got?
Perhaps the Deputy should consult with the various school management authorities of the different denominations.
Various ones?
There are different denominations in the country.