The Department of Education survey that shows 40% of parents want multi-denominational schools is a distraction. Our human right to an objective education should not be subject to the preferences of our neighbours. Also, the survey was misleading, only giving parents an option to choose between two types of religious schools, with one type falsely implied to be non-religious. And the Minister has confirmed that, ultimately, it is the patron bodies that will have the final say.
Secular schools based on human rights should be the default in any neighbourhood. Any local child should have equal access, and have their rights respected, regardless of anybody’s religious or nonreligious beliefs. The school should teach objectively about all religions and beliefs, without promoting either religion or atheism. The UN has repeatedly told Ireland to open such schools.
This survey used the misleading question “Would you prefer your primary school to operate under a denominational (religious) patron or to operate under a multi-denominational (non-religious) patron?” But multi-denominational is not the same as non-religious.
The relevant issue is not the religious makeup of the patron body, but the ethos of the school. Multi-denominational schools can have a Catholic chaplain, religious worship, their own religion and ethics courses, and celebrate religious festivals.
The Forum on Patronage described non-denominational schools as under the patronage of a secular body which has an explicitly secular ethos. There are no such schools in Ireland, the option was not included in the survey, and the state has no plans to open any.
The process itself was also biased. Denominational patron bodies could email all parents encouraging them to prefer the status quo. Even given that, only 40% responded, so the true figure of those who want the status quo to continue is just under a quarter. But, to repeat, the Minister has confirmed that, ultimately, it is the patron bodies that will have the final say.
Atheist Ireland will continue to campaign for a secular state education system that respects human rights, regardless of the religious or nonreligious beliefs of parents, children, staff, or board members. Religious parents should of course be able to open their own schools as alternative options, but not as the core of a state-funded system.