The Vice President of the Irish National Teachers Organisation says he doesn’t expect any imminent change from the status-quo when it comes to the teaching of religion in Clare primary schools.
A motion passed at the union’s annual congress taking place this week in Galway has proposed the accelerated divestment from the Catholic church in primary schools.
The proposal comes off the back of the results of an INTO survey which garnered 1,049 teachers responses.
The survey found 33% of teachers willingly teach religion in school, 19.5% would prefer not to, while a further 19% would rather teach broader religious education than a particular faith.
While, teachers also voted overwhelmingly against sacramental preparation in the classroom with just 4% in favour, 47% say the family should bear responsibility, while another 30% say the duty should fall on the church.
INTO Vice President, Brendan Horan, says changing the delivery of religious education in primary schools will be a slow process.
The Principal of St Flannan’s College in Ennis claims the church would be able to support the delivery of Communion and Confirmation if required.
Fr Ignatius McCormack, who also sits on the Boards of Management for Quin National School and St Clare’s special school says priests are already central to the delivery of the sacraments within schools.
INTO members also voted 57% against faith teaching in primary schools with 46% stating religion shouldn’t be taught by the class teacher.
These people across the Banner county give their thoughts on the matter.
You can listen to the full interview here:
