Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:285. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that offer an alternative subject to religious instruction or worship in line with Circular 0013/2018. [35182/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
285. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that offer an alternative subject to religious instruction or worship in line with Circular 0013/2018. [35182/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing publication of Circular 0013/2018, a further Circular 0062/2018 was published by my Department to remove any ambiguity about how religious education and religious instruction are delivered in those schools. Students should only be provided with a place in a religious instruction class where there has been a parental request for admission to that class. Where a parent has made a choice for their child, or where appropriate the student, to participate in a religious instruction class, this eliminates any necessity for subsequent withdrawal from that class and the provision of alternative subjects. Schools are advised to read both circulars 0013/2018 and Circular 0062/2018 in conjunction with one another.