Time to secularise our primary school system.

[White Horse]

why should it be all or nothing?

educate together schools art sadly not an option for many people. for example, there isn't one in dundalk.

The Dept. of Education and the local VEC did a study a few years ago to determine whether there was demand for such a school. This was around the time when there was an influx of immigrants. There was surprisingly little demand. Protestants seemed to be very happy with the Grammar school and there were not enough athiests or other denominations to warrant an educate together school.

However, I do think that the State should be required to provide "educate toether" schools in populations centres over a certain size.

[Richard Roma]

Why is it taken as a given that that religious instruction is something that ought to be taught in school? What's the problem with children receiving their religious education in thier own time like they would with any other subject their parents want them instructed in; playing piano, learning French etc At a time when children are apparently struggling desperately with numeracy, obesity and our native tongue is dying on its feet, to have time spent teaching this malarkey is a tragedy.

[Sailor]

Why is it taken as a given that that religious instruction is something that ought to be taught in school? What's the problem with children receiving their religious education in thier own time like they would with any other subject their parents want them instructed in; playing piano, learning French etc At a time when children are apparently struggling desperately with numeracy, obesity and our native tongue is dying on its feet, to have time spent teaching this malarkey is a tragedy.

That makes sense - but there is another agenda at work here. What the RC lot want is not just the teaching of religion as a subject, but the maintenance of a catholic ethos in the schools.

[White Horse]

Why is it taken as a given that that religious instruction is something that ought to be taught in school? What's the problem with children receiving their religious education in thier own time like they would with any other subject their parents want them instructed in; playing piano, learning French etc.

Ethos is not merely a subject, it is something that pervades all subjects.

For example, a child might to asked to write a poem about Jesus in Gaelic class, research the Christians in Rome in history class, learn hymns in music class, draw pictires of heaven in art class etc etc.

The amount of time spent on actual religious instruction is tiny in comparison.

[imokyrok]

Ethos is not merely a subject, it is something that pervades all subjects.

For example, a child might to asked to write a poem about Jesus in Gaelic class, research the Christians in Rome in history class, learn hymns in music class, draw pictires of heaven in art class etc etc.

The amount of time spent on actual religious instruction is tiny in comparison.

Mass indoctrination in other words. How lovely that our education system should be devoted to such an endevour.

[White Horse]

Mass indoctrination in other words. How lovely that our education system should be devoted to such an endevour.

Not so, rosary beads are very useful in teaching children how to count.

[Shilts]

That makes sense - but there is another agenda at work here. What the RC lot want is not just the teaching of religion as a subject, but the maintenance of a catholic ethos in the schools.

Its not just about the maintenance of a catholic ethos in the schools...its about the maintenace of a catholic ethos in the general society, methinks.

[Sailor]

Its not just about the maintenance of a catholic ethos in the schools...its about the maintenace of a catholic ethos in the general society, methinks.

Correct

[uriah]

You can send your child to a non-religious school if you wish.

Mine go to the local Catholic school and I am very happy with the ethos being taught.

It is interesting that the young people (18-24) in the above survey were most favourable (along with pensioners) of the churches retaining control of their schools.

It is good that you are happy, and that the state provides you with a local school which meets your needs.
Not every citizen of this state is so well treated.

Suggesting to a citizen of this country who does not want his/her child educated in the catholic ethos that s/he 'can send his/her child to a non-religious school if they wish.is rather impractical and very unfair. Multi-denominational and non-denominational schools are available to very few people in this country.

Surely you would want other people to enjoy the same rights and services as you do.

A more practical suggestion would be that all state schools be non-denominational and that those who want their children taught religion do it themselves or send their children to religion classes provided by their own particular religion.

[sondagefaux]

Time for a referendum IMO.

Based on this poll, a referendum proposing the full separation of church and state in Ireland (along US lines) would have an excellent chance of passing.