A survey by the Irish Primary Principals Network found that Irish
parents would prefer their children to attend State-run primary schools
open to all religions rather than church-run schools.
In the Red C survey, 327 parents of children under 15 were given a series of questions about religion in primary education.
They
were asked if they would prefer a school managed by and promoting the
faith of a particular religion or a school managed by the state with
equal status and opportunity for all religions.
In the survey, which was carried out three years ago, they voted three-to-one in favour of the State option.
The
poll also showed that parents wanted less time spent on the teaching of
religion in primary schools and more time on activities such as PE.
At present, two-and-a-half hours each week is devoted in primary schools to religion.
In
apparent contradiction of some of the poll's other findings, 56% of all
parents said religious instruction and the preparation for Catholic
sacraments should be taught by the class teacher during school hours.