Irish schools “out of sync” on religion

Advocacy group Educate D8 says that recent Census statistics have highlighted that the Irish education system is “out of sync” on religious issues.

Census findings for 2022 found that 31% of the Irish population do not identify as Catholic, and the group have taken issue with the current set-up in the Irish education system.

The Irish education system is majority governed by the Catholic church, and Educate D8 have noted that 62% of people in Dublin 8 do not identify as Catholic.

In the South-West Inner City area of D8, 38% of people in the area identify as Catholic, while 29% identify as having no religion.

The group said that the census data “proves the need” for multi-denominational schools in diverse urban areas such as Dublin 8.

The area has five religious-run secondary schools, no other options and a significant shortfall in places, according to the group.

The group noted that the Department of Education committed to making post-primary school more accessible for all in 1967 and in 2011, they promised parents would have a say about local school patronage.

Despite these assurances, the group said that local children “are still being discriminated against” and “local parents are not being given a say.”

Louise Fitzpatrick of Educate D8 said “parents have been calling for a new school in the area for generations, and continue to be left behind, despite huge underprovision.”

She claimed that “children in affluent, more Catholic areas, with lots of existing schools are being granted new multi-denominational schools.”

Fitzpatrick said this was an example of “blatant discrimination” and called on Minister for Education Norma Foley to listen to the needs of children and parents, both nationwide and particularly in Dublin 8.

“Parents currently have no say with regard to governance of schools, despite Department of Education commitments to do so,” she said.

Dublin 8 parent, Susie Morrell, originally from the United States, said she is “appalled” by the lack of secondary school options her children are faced with.

“When I moved to this country I was shocked to learn that the majority of public schools are religiously affiliated.”

“Having come from the US, where the separation of church and state – and secularism of schools – is enshrined in law, the Irish education system feels the wrong way round to me.”

Living in Dublin 8, Morrell says that this frustration is not limited to just her, with most local parents also expressing frustration with the issue.

She said that families in the area have a “huge disadvantage in terms of educational choice and, unless something changes soon, we like many others will have to travel outside of our local area when my children reach secondary level.”

“Living in such a central part of the city, with its history, culture and community spirit, I find it astounding that Dublin 8 families are not supported to grow their community through their child’s school experience.”