Churches have serious concerns about the religious identity of their schools as a result of moves to make them more inclusive, a Catholic schools leader said. Fr Michael Drumm, chairman of the Catholic Schools Partnership, welcomed the further consultation announced by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn on measures proposed to ensure all schools cater for increasing diversity among their pupils.
But, he said, there had been a very negative response to the recommendations of Mr Quinn’s expert group on patronage relating to the estimated 1,700 "standalone" schools where divesting to another patron is not an option.
Earlier, forum advisory group chairman John Coolahan moved to clarify misrepresentations he said some commentators have made of the forum’s report in April.
He said that, rather than suggesting preparation for First Communion and Confirmation be removed from schools, the group wants to ensure it does not impinge on time for subjects other than religion.
Earlier, forum advisory group chairman John Coolahan moved to clarify misrepresentations he said some commentators have made of the forum’s report in April.
He said that, rather than suggesting preparation for First Communion and Confirmation be removed from schools, the group wants to ensure it does not impinge on time for subjects other than religion.
Mr Coolahan also said they did not recommend a ban on religious emblems in schools, but that there be greater sensitivity to children who do not belong to the denomination of a school.
Fr Drumm accepted the assurances but said he shared some outstanding concerns, such as the need to respect Catholic celebrations and religious festivals.
Mr Quinn announced there would be public consultations from September to November to inform a policy paper on some of the issues raised by the forum. This will lead to protocols and guidelines to inform schools on these kind of issues, such as ensuring children are not excluded from class activities because they are not of the same faith.
The National Parents’ Council (Primary) will help draft an information leaflet to ensure parents are fully informed about the process. Chief executive of the NPC, Áine Lynch, said this was welcome despite the urgency for children already in schools where they are forced to opt out of religion classes during faith-specific instruction.
The minister is also asking the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to begin immediate work on developing programmes on ethics and education about religion and beliefs.
Fr Drumm accepted the assurances but said he shared some outstanding concerns, such as the need to respect Catholic celebrations and religious festivals.
Mr Quinn announced there would be public consultations from September to November to inform a policy paper on some of the issues raised by the forum. This will lead to protocols and guidelines to inform schools on these kind of issues, such as ensuring children are not excluded from class activities because they are not of the same faith.
The National Parents’ Council (Primary) will help draft an information leaflet to ensure parents are fully informed about the process. Chief executive of the NPC, Áine Lynch, said this was welcome despite the urgency for children already in schools where they are forced to opt out of religion classes during faith-specific instruction.
The minister is also asking the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to begin immediate work on developing programmes on ethics and education about religion and beliefs.
But he later clarified that this could be taught in primary schools without removing the right of faith-based schools to offer specific teaching of their own religion.
The Department of Education is also to begin immediately on the analysis recommended by the forum group on the start-up and growth of all-Irish schools to inform future policy development.
The Department of Education is also to begin immediately on the analysis recommended by the forum group on the start-up and growth of all-Irish schools to inform future policy development.