Citizens should have access to non-sectarian public schools [IrishTimes]
- Published: 26 May 2011
A universal model of non-denominational education is needed instead of reforms to the patronage system currently in operation
INCREASING ATTENTION has recently focused on the rather limited protection for religious freedom in Irish schools. This has centred on the continuing predominance of the denominational schools on which the State historically relied in order to give effect to its constitutional obligation to provide free primary education.
Despite recent efforts by the private group Educate Together, and the piloting of a new model of community national school, the concrete effect of the patronage model is that families in many areas of the State have little choice but to avail of denominational primary schools which are committed to beliefs contrary to their own.
Effectively, this may set, as the price of access to free primary education, the surrender of another constitutional right, parents’ and children’s freedom of conscience and religion.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
