Poll: Should religion have a role in education?

YESTERDAY, THE FORUM on Patronage and Pluralism in Irish primary schools recommended the immediate review of a rule which obliges schools to place religion at the heart of all activities.

Rule 68 was published in 1965 and states that “of all the parts of a school curriculum Religious Instruction is by far the most important” and goes on to say that “a religious spirit should inform and vivify the whole work of the school”.

The rule is seen by some as a barrier to freeing up the primary sector to cater for all children who may or may not have a faith. Its proposed review has been welcomed by the Catholic School Partnership and Education Minister Ruairi Quinn who broadly welcomed the report yesterday.

But in reviewing this rule, we want to know do you think religion should still play a role in Irish education or none at all?

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