asked the Minister for Education if she has required patrons or management of multidenominational schools to provide for religious instruction in their schools as a condition either for recognition by or the support of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Religious Instruction in Schools.
322.
The Rules for National Schools require that provision be made in national schools for religious instruction and that no pupil shall receive or be present at any religious instruction of which his/her parents or guardians disapprove. I consider these requirements respect the position of parents.
323.
asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the almost total absence of statutory legislation and instruments in the field of primary education, senior officials of her Department are required to be closely associated with, and advocates of, Church interests; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Officials of my Department have communication and consultation with Church bodies in the normal course in the same way as with other bodies involved in the conduct of the educational system. There is no question of their being advocates of particular interests.