A new report has revealed segregated religious education classes were originally planned as part of the new model for primary schools announced by the government in 2008.

Documents obtained by RTE under the Freedom of Information Act revealed the Department of Education promised Catholic bishops that all Catholic children studying at Community National Schools would still receive religious teaching.

However, Vocational Education Committee officials and Protestant church leaders warned such a move could be divisive and seen as discriminative against non-white newcomers.

It was claimed the State's suggestion of separating pupils according to their beliefs for Religious Education classes could prove disruptive.

Instead, it was decided children would be segregated for a number of weeks per year during the Easter period when their Catholic beliefs could be focused on.

Community National Schools are described as "child-centred, inclusive, multi-belief, State-supported" establishments that provide high-quality primary education for youngsters in local communities.

Written by Donal Walsh

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