Row over teaching of religion in primary schools' 'experiment' [Independent.ie]
- Published: 16 November 2010
A ROW has broken out over the preparation of pupils for religious ceremonies such as First Communion in five experimental primary schools.
The five pilot Community National Schools use a multi-belief programme called "Goodness Me, Goodness You" that introduces pupils to all major religious and non-religious beliefs.
But crucially, it also provides time during the school year for separate specific religious instruction for children of different faiths.
That model was to be rolled out in future to cater for children of all faiths and those of no faith. But the row over preparation for religious ceremonies during school hours is a serious setback to government hopes for securing agreement with believers and non-believers on the new integrated school model.
The Catholic Church believes parents have the right to expect religious formation, including preparation for the sacraments, for their children during the school day. This was promised by former Education Minister Mary Hanafin when she launched the pilot scheme
But the Humanist Association of Ireland is writing to current minister Mary Coughlan, rejecting the pilot programme, the Irish Independent has learned.
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