Teacher Recruitment

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Ceisteanna (209)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

209. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will amend the Employment Equality Act to prevent schools from recruiting or dismissing teachers based on their religious ethos. [5066/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The programme for Government contains a commitment that "People of non-faith or minority religious backgrounds and publicly identified LGBT people should not be deterred from training or taking up employment as teachers in the state." In this regard the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) designate has been asked to consider and provide advice in relation to amending Section 37 of the Employment Equality Acts 1998 - 2011. When this advice is received the matter will receive immediate attention with a view to amending legislation as soon as possible.