Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 June 2022
67. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will give a direction to schools to ensure that they provide students who do not attend subjects in religious instruction under section 30(2)(e) of the Education Act of 1998 with instruction in other curriculum subjects during that part of the school day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34921/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that children who do not wish to participate in the religious life of a school are being adequately accommodated. [34941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 81 together.
Under Article 44 of the Constitution and in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of religious instruction classes if they so wish. It is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request.
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, where schools provide religious instruction, they must clearly set out in their admission policies the school’s arrangements for students, where the parent or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, has requested that the student attend the school without attending religious instruction in the school. All recognised schools are required to comply fully with the education act.
The manner in which any school ensures that the right to opt out of religion classes is upheld is a matter for the school concerned. Each individual school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.
The right of parents to have their child opt out of religion classes applies in all schools regardless of the denomination or ethos of the school concerned.
