Rules governing religious instruction in primary schools could be abolished if a recommendation from the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism is followed.

As part of its interim report, it called for Rule 68 - which describes religious education as "by far the most important" aspect of the curriculum - to be deleted.

It also stated that greater flexibility should be made available for those who wish to opt out of religious services and instruction provided by primary schools.

Professor John Coolahan, author of the report, stressed the Forum's goal is not radical reform, but to adapt the existing system to make it more inclusive.

"I hope that this report will provide worthwhile advice and guidance towards practical solutions on diversity in the context of patronage in the primary school sector," he continued.

The group has called for a phased approach that will see the divesting of Catholic schools across 47 areas of the country, covering 258 establishments.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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