Sir, – Breda O'Brien ("Removing 'religious spirit' from schools an act of desperation", Opinion & Analysis, December 12th) takes issue with Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan for her decision to revoke Rule 68 for primary schools. She describes the Minister's action as "petulant" and "pandering to a vocal, if tiny, minority". However, members of minority groups, whether these groups are tiny or substantial, have rights.
Ms O’Brien might consider how, over the past few decades, recognition of the rights of minorities has led to progress. Think of the relief afforded by the provision of divorce for those trapped in loveless marriages, the confirmation of the dignity of gay persons – “intrinsically disordered” in their sexual orientation, according to some – provided by the passing of the recent marriage referendum, and, most recently, the protection given to children by the repeal of the “reasonable chastisement” provision of common law.
Rule 68 provided that a “religious spirit should inform and vivify the whole work of the school”. It allowed for religious indoctrination – the antithesis of education – to pervade the entire school day.
After decades of indoctrination in schools managed by Roman Catholic clergymen, a majority groupthink had evolved which ignored those whose views were not in line with religious orthodoxy. Rule 68 should have been abolished long ago. – Yours, etc,
JOE KEHOE,
Celbridge,
Co Kildare.