asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the requirement introduced by the Catholic Primary School Managers Association that only practicing Roman Catholics will be considered for appointments as new teachers; if her attention has further been drawn to the strong opposition to this policy expressed by many teachers and branches of the INTO; if she considers it appropriate that such a requirement be laid down, especially when the State pays teachers' salaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Appointment of New Teachers.
31.
I am aware that the Catholic Primary School Managers' Association has drawn up a list of suggested criteria for selection boards for the filling of posts as assistant teachers and principals in Catholic schools which includes the requirement that teachers be practicing Catholics, and I am aware of the INTO's opposition to this.
The schools in question, like the vast majority of primary schools in the State, are conducted in accordance with the religious beliefs of the patrons and boards of management of those attending them. 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 concern of school authorities with regard to the religious standing of the teachers and principals they appoint clearly derives from the denominational nature of the schools, and the fact that as well as teaching secular subjects, the teachers are also teachers of religion which is a fundamental part of the school course. The requirements in the matter of religion for teachers who teach in denominationally controlled schools are a matter for the school management authorities.
The Deputy has raised the question of whether the "practising Catholics" requirement on the part of the managers' association is appropriate when the State pays the teachers' salaries. The point is that the requirement derives from the denominational structure of the national school system, a system which has been denominational in structure since the 19th century, which was inherited when the State achieved independence and a fact which was taken into account in drafting the Constitution. There is no evidence at present of any serious desire on the part of the country's taxpayers to have this system altered.