Statement of the Bishops’ Council for Education to the Government’s response to the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector
The Council for Education of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference notes the publication today of the government’s response to the report of the Advisory Group on the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector.
The Council welcomes the public consultation process proposed by the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn TD, with regard to promoting more inclusiveness in schools. The recommendations on this issue in the report of the forum caused serious concern among those involved in denominational schools. The proposed White Paper should offer a better way forward.
The Minister clearly affirms the role of religious education and faith formation in denominational schools. The Bishops’ Council for Education welcomes this affirmation and sees it as the foundation on which to enter discussions with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on religious education in primary schools.
Today’s statement by the Minister also provides a roadmap for consultation with parents concerning greater diversity of school provision in certain areas. It is critically important that such consultations engender public confidence and respects the rights and responsibilities of all the stakeholders in our primary schools.
ENDS
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