Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - Rules for National Schools.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

55 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her views on the apparent contradiction between rule 68 of the Rules for National Schools which rules that a religious spirit should inform and vivify the whole work of the school and rule 69 which rules that religious instruction be timetabled so that pupils can withdraw for that specific period if parents/guardians so wish; and the way in which these two rules can each be operated, or alternatively which should take precedence.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The rules in question, which have stood for a considerable number of years, reflect distinctions drawn in the context of different religious denominations which, however, share a common Christian background. From that perspective rules 68 and 69 are not in contradiction.

I would add that I have indicated my acceptance of the recommendation of the Primary Review Body for a general review of the Rules for National Schools.