Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
274. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the policies in place for schools with pupils who wish to opt-out of religious education classes; the way her Department will support parents and schools where pupils choose to opt-out of religious education classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7855/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Article 44 of the Constitution, parents have a right to have their children opt out of religious instruction classes if they so wish. Additionally, section 30 of the 1998 Education Act provides that a child is not required to attend instruction in any subject that is contrary to the conscience of the parent, this also applies to students over the age of 18. 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.
The manner in which any school ensures that the right to opt out of religion instruction 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 instruction classes applies in all schools regardless of the denomination or ethos of the school concerned.
