Removing the baptism barrier in catholic schools goes a long way towards providing equal access for the majority

“The confirmation by the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, that the Equal Status Act is to be amended is a positive step towards ensuring equal access to schools for the majority of children”, says Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon.

“I have always been clear in my view that there should be outright repeal of section 7(3)(c) of the Equal Status Act which would allow for non-discriminatory access to schools for all children. However as 90% of schools that are funded by the State are catholic, the decision to prohibit catholic schools from including religion as an admission criterion is a positive step.

“A children’s rights approach dictates that no publicly funded school should discriminate on any grounds, therefore this move should be extended to all schools including minority faith State funded schools.

“It is also important that as schools create their admissions criteria, care is taken to ensure that there is no discrimination on any grounds.

“I look forward to examining the proposed legislation in detail, considering the best interests of children, and I strongly recommend that the views of children themselves should be sought during the process.

“Although the announcement by Minister Bruton goes some way to addressing the issue of discrimination in school admissions, the lack of choice for parents and young people when it comes to non-denominational and multi-denominational schools remains.

“The issue of religious teaching and influence in the school day will also have to be dealt with. Children of no faith, or a different faith, will still be exposed to religious influence if attending a catholic state funded school, and this must be managed in a suitable way that fully considers their rights.”

• 29 June 2017
• Topic: Education