Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
196. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the guidance available to schools on protocols in relation to opting out of religious education in schools, and how the school should operate these protocols (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7157/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of school admission policies that do not clearly outline detailed arrangements for students who wish to opt out of religious education; if an admission policy that suggests a meeting with the principal to discuss this matter instead of clearly defined arrangements is contrary to the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7158/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
Under the Constitution, the provisions of article 44 recognise the rights of children to attend school without attending religious instruction at that school. Furthermore the provisions of Section 30(2) (e) of the Education Act 1998 provide that a school shall not require a student to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent / guardian of the student or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student. It is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request.
The provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 requires, 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 not attend 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 Department is currently working with education partners to assist schools to strengthen their approach in providing for diverse enrolments in a changing society.
The State is involved in ongoing discussions with the education partners to assist schools to strengthen their approach in this area.
