CV NEWS FEED // Primary school educators in Ireland are seeking to end the national Catholic religious certificate as a requirement to teach and plan to question the prominence of Catholicism in the country’s education system.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organization (INTO) passed a motion to repeal obligatory religious certification at its annual congress in Derry, according to an April 3 report from The Irish Times.
The Catholic Education Partnership website states that only candidates who complete the Certificate program that is approved by the England and Wales Bishops’ Conference, or a “supplementary module on Religious Education in Ireland” may be selected to interview for Catholic heritage schools in Ireland.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, INTO announced that the congress had passed a “Motion on diversity in teaching/school patronage.”
INTO also instructed union delegates to survey primary school teachers regarding what they believe the future of religious education in Ireland should be. As it stands, the report stated, “Almost 90 per cent of primary schools are under Catholic patronage.”
A task force will carry out the survey and report back in the next year.
The Organization’s April 5 news release regarding the congress does not specifically mention the religious certificate controversy, but highlights at various points its commitment to combat “the rise of extremism in Irish society,” and create “inclusive school environments.”
“Congress 2024 ended with a clear message: investment in education and improved working conditions for teachers are crucial for a thriving education system,” the release stated. “INTO remains committed to advocating for its members and for a better future for all students.
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