Vol. 413 No. 9
73 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if he will list the rights of parents in the field of education which are in departmental or other relevant documents; and if he will give the main documenting sources in regard to each right listed.
Article 42 of the Constitution acknowledges that the primary and natural educator of the child is the family and guarantees to respect the rights of parents to provide for the education of their children.
Arising from Article 44 of the Constitution the Rules for National Schools provide that parents have the right to withdraw their children from classes in religious instruction.
The right of parents to be represented on boards of management of national and community schools is provided for respectively in the documents "National Schools: Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure" and the community schools deeds of trust.
The importance of the involvement of parents in the education of their children is stressed in a number of circulars issued recently by my Department. The circulars deal with consultation with parents in the development of a schools' behaviour and discipline policy, parents as partners in education, the establishment of school parents associations and parent representation on vocational education committees.
I am arranging to have copies forwarded to the Deputy.
