Changes will pose no threat to rights, forum told [IrishTimes]
- Published: 23 June 2011
THE LAST things Irish society needs are social division and conflict associated with problems affecting local school provision, the chairman of the forum said.
In his opening address, Prof John Coolahan said the process of adjusting school patronage could involve the unlocking of allegiances, long-held loyalties, aspects of identity and personal engagement. People could have an emotional attachment to their local schools, which must be understood, he said.
He expressed confidence that social conflict could be avoided, but he exhorted those participating in the forum to consider not just a sectoral interest, but to reach out and seek accommodation with other legitimate interests.
It was crucial that unnecessary fears and apprehensions about the future of religion in schools were not fomented by any agency, including the media, he said.
He said the attempt to make greater provision for the rights of some citizens “does not mean that we trespass on the rights of others. There are likely to be adjustments and inconveniences for some citizens with the restructuring of school patronage, but their rights will not be threatened or abolished.”
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