Religion and Education Consultation

school studentsReligion and Education: A Human Rights Perspective

On 24 May 2011 the IHRC launched its report "Religion and Education: A Human Rights Perspective" in which it calls on the Government to increase the diversity of school type in Ireland. This is to accommodate the diversity of religious and non-religious convictions in the State and to allow Ireland meet its human rights obligations.

The IHRC made 13 recommendations to Government. Key among these are practical ways in which the right to freedom of religion, belief and conscience of parents of children can be met for both those parents and children of the majority Roman Catholic religion, of minority religions and indeed those of no faith.

The report was launched at 10.00 at Wood Quay Venue in Dublin and it is hoped that it will feed into the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector established by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn TD and being chaired by Professor John Coolahan.

The report follows a consultation process in which 60 individuals and organisations made submissions to the IHRC.

Report

"Religion and Education: A Human Rights Perspective" Report

Speeches

Introduction from the Chief Executive, Eamonn Mac Aodha

Speech from President Maurice Manning

Speech from Sinead Lucey, Senior Enquiries and Legal Services Officer

Speech from Professor William Binchy, IHRC Commissioner

Submissions from individuals and organisations can be accessed on the links opposite.