I propose to take Questions Nos. 441 and 446 together.
The Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector was established to look at how schools can cater for diversity and ensure an inclusive and respectful environment for all their pupils. The Report of the Advisory Group to the Forum made a series of recommendations dealing with the creation of more inclusive schools. The Report took account of the findings and conclusions of previous groups and committees, such as those of the Constitution Review Group of 1996.
Religious education is one of the seven curricular areas of the 1999 Primary School Curriculum. However, under Article 44 of the Constitution, all parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious instruction in school. Furthermore, under Section 30 of the Education Act 1998, a student cannot be required to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student or, in the case of a student who is 18 or more, the student him/herself. The Education (Admission to School) Bill, which is currently being drafted, will require schools to publish an enrolment policy which will clarify the school's arrangements for upholding the constitutional right of parents that their children not attend religious instruction.
With regard to denominational religious education, the Forum Report did not recommend that religious instruction be removed from the school day. However, the Advisory Group had concerns about the amount of time which can be devoted to sacramental preparation in some schools and they recommended that it should not be allowed to encroach on time allocated for the general curriculum. They also recommended on-going discussion with parents and clergy in this regard.
The Report also noted that there are currently no non-denominational primary schools, but that there is no objection to the establishment of such schools if sought by a sufficiently large number of parents. The Forum also concluded that the State has a responsibility to ensure that all children have the right to receive Education about Religions and Beliefs (ERB) and Ethics and recommended that an ERB and Ethics programme be developed. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is developing a curriculum for ERB and Ethics for all primary schools.
A follow-up paper to the Forum Report entitled Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector: Progress to Date and Future Directions was published on 1 July 2014. The paper outlines good practice and options for promoting diversity in all schools and encourages school authorities to engage in consultation with stakeholders and to review their policies and practices on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain suitable for the school population that they serve. It recognises that each school should arrive at solutions that suit its own particular context. It also notes that this is an evolving situation and that practices may evolve over time as circumstances change.
The paper was informed by a consultation with stakeholders and encourages school authorities to consider their policies and practices and to review whether they are taking the steps necessary to welcome all pupils and make them feel included.
Particular areas to be examined by schools relate to:
- The right to opt out of religion classes;
- Scheduling of Religion Classes and other Religious Activities;
- Options for Pupils in relation to Religious Ceremonies of the Ethos of the School;
- Celebration of Religious Festivals; and
- Display of Religious Artefacts.
