A chara, – Further to Bishop Leo O’Reilly’s article (Opinion, December 19th) and subsequent contributors, I wish to make a number of points. Primary schools in the Republic are legally obliged to teach religion, regardless of school ethos or patron. The assertion that schools are excluding religion or that there are those who would have an aim of excluding religion is unfounded.
Our own school is not under the patronage of a specific church, teaches a multi-faith core religious curriculum and allows parents the use of facilities for after-school classes which inform children in specific faiths, for example, preparation for communion among Roman Catholics. Events such as Confirmation for children from Catholic families or Jehovah’s Witness Prayer meetings are given equal respect by the school authorities.
The term religious “instruction” is not the preserve of single-faith schools. Indeed, one could argue that multi-faith schools provide real religious knowledge and a religious instruction which reflects the various religious experiences of humanity. A teaching which sets out only one perspective should not be defined as well-rounded “instruction”.
The bishop rightly defends the principle of “parental choice” in education and also reminds us that it is enshrined in Bunreacht na hÉireann. Implied in parental choice is that is an informed choice. Parents who come from the Catholic faith are often unaware that the Catechism of the Catholic Church entrusts the choice of school to parents, in line with their own convictions, and that there is no church ruling that Catholic children should attend Catholic schools. Indeed, the majority of parents whose children attend Ireland’s multi-faith schools are from Catholic families.
Bishop O’Reilly’s wish that local planning will inform choices on school patronage is admirable, but this local planning must be well informed, balanced and free from clerical control.
School patronage and management need to be handled carefully as whatever future model emerges must still be based on local voluntary support.
Churches and other groups/agencies should have a role and may promote their own agendas. However, the debate needs to be informed and guided by facts and free, informed choice. – Is mise,
PÓL MAG LIONÁIN,
Príomhoide,
Gaelscoil Riabhach,
Baile Locha Riach.
Co na Gaillimhe.