NINETY PER cent of State-funded primary schools are still controlled by the Catholic Church, despite the church’s loss of authority and influence in the wake of child abuse scandals. The spectacle of immigrant children being refused admission on religious grounds gave rise to public controversy and demands for change in 2007. It had little effect.
On taking office last year, Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn spoke about removing half of the 3,000 primary schools from Catholic Church control in order to provide for multidenominational and non-denominational education and the needs of a rapidly changing society. An advisory group he established on patronage and pluralism has, however, urged a more gradualist approach.
Its report and recommendations have placed the wishes of parents at the centre of a reform agenda. Initially, the Department of Education will conduct parental surveys in order to estimate the demand for change. Then, the various school patrons will provide the department with a range of options for divestment following consultation with school communities. Finally, the department will evaluate the options and submit a report to the Minister.
On the face of it, the process appears simple and transparent. But past experience would suggest it is likely to be subjected to procrastination and obstruction. What happens, for example, if a majority of parents favour multidenominational education but the local community is encouraged by school patrons to support the status quo? And will divestments begin, as suggested by the advisory group, next year?
Delay is the great enemy of reform. The longer the delay, the more likely it is that political energy will drain away and little will change. Census returns published last week show that one in six residents was born outside the State and the demand for primary school places is rising. Integration at all levels is the key to an open and tolerant society. It is, however, a two-way street in which the receiving society must be prepared to change, as indeed should new arrivals.
Traditionally, discussions involving the control of schools and content of education take place behind closed doors. On this occasion, a balanced and respectful approach has been taken to the wishes of parents. Control is not, however, the only issue. One-quarter of young men are functionally illiterate on leaving school. That is unacceptable. The advisory group rightly suggests that religious instruction should no longer be regarded as the most important subject on the curriculum.