by Andrew Carey and Kathy Masterson
THE Board of Management at Castletroy College has agreed to allow a first year student to opt out of the religious education course.
The board met at a scheduled meeting on Monday evening where they considered a request by parent Paul Drury on behalf of his daughter.
Mr Drury told RTÉ News that neither he nor his daughter were religious and that his daughter did not want to study the subject.
The school had last week rejected his request.
In a brief statement issued after Monday’s meeting Castletroy College said: “Mr Drury requested that his daughter be allowed to opt out of the Religious Education course. Following discussion at a regular Board of Management meeting this evening this request was agreed with immediate effect.”
“Mr Drury has been informed of this decision,” it concluded.
The school explained afterwards that the student will have to remain in the classroom while the subject is being taught but will not have to participate in the religious education class.
Mr Drury welcomed the decision but did not wish to comment further.
Chairperson of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board George O’Callaghan said in a statement that the LCETB welcomed the decision as patrons of the school.
“As a multi-denominational ETB school, Castletroy College welcomes and respects pupils of all faiths and none. Arrangements in relation to religious instruction reflect the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement between the ETB and the trustee partner in the school and the regulations of the Department of Education and Skills with regard to Religion as a subject in the curriculum,” he added.
Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan said parents have the right to decide whether or not their children attend religious education classes, and insists the guidelines and law are clear on this.
“I hope parents do know their rights. They should approach the school if they wish to have their child exempt from religion and normally that is done first through the principal and if necessary through the board of management, so if there is clarity needed then we would be very happy to provide it.”
“I do believe it is the right of parents; they are the primary educators of their children. It is their right to decide whether or not their child attends religious education,” she added.
The law states that schools cannot require a student to participate in a subject that goes against their or their parents’ beliefs.
The Constitution also gives parents the right to withdraw their children from religious instruction.
The ETB says there is no central policy or guidelines on who schools can enable student out of religious education.
However Minister O’Sullivan insisted: “There is clarity in terms of parental rights in relation to the law and the Constitution. If there is any more clarity needed we would be happy to give it. I would be confident there are clear guidelines in regard to these issues.”
