Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
89. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his policies for faith based schools and the way they deal with new communities and persons of different religious or tribal backgrounds to that of the school they are attending; the procedures in place for dealing with conflicts between these new communities; the training given to teaching staff for dealing with these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10599/14]
View answerCurrent policy in relation to intercultural education is set out in the Intercultural Education Strategy 2010-2015 which includes a number of high level goals and actions for all education stakeholders including schools.
The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), funded by my Department, is responsible for supporting schools in the implementation of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Curriculum. A core element of the SPHE Curriculum at primary level is the fostering and development of the positive attitudes towards diversity and celebrating difference through the strand unit "Myself and the Wider World". PDST also provides guidance to schools in the development of a whole school policy for interculturalism. PDST promotes the use of the NCCA Intercultural Guidelines in schools with regard to policy formation and classroom practice.
In relation to school enrolment, the Deputy will be aware that last September I published a draft General Scheme for an Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, 2013 as well as draft regulations for discussion ahead of enacting legislation. These are available on my Department's website. I have referred the draft proposals to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, to allow a full public discussion of the proposed legislative framework, including inputs from parents, education partners and other stakeholders. I will be reflecting carefully on the views expressed in the consultation process to ensure the legislation strikes the right balance between school autonomy and fairness in our education system.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism contains recommendations aimed at ensuring that Irish schools cater for the increased diversity within society. I am keen to see that schools strike the right balance to ensure that the backgrounds of all children in the local community are respected. To this end, I launched a public consultation on inclusiveness in primary schools in September 2013. I sought views on issues such as how best to accommodate students of various belief systems and traditions. The submissions received, together with the Forum Report findings and recommendations in this area, will be considered in the preparation of a White Paper this year.
