The dispute in Gaelscoil Thulach na nÓg in Dunboyne, Co Meath raises complex issues, for parents, teachers, school managers and, not least, for policymakers. Religion and education can be an explosive mix. But many fair-minded citizens will be dismayed by the entrenched position taken by the school board of management against a principal who appears to be admirably pluralistic in outlook.
Mr Tomas O'Dulaing is facing dismissal from the school within days. His offence, if it can be termed as such, is his desire to protect the minority Protestant pupils from segregation during religion classes. He argues that preparation for Communion should take place outside normal school hours. Mr O'Dulaing claims it is wrong that Protestant pupils should have to remove themselves when their Catholic classmates are being taught about Communion. The board of management insists all religious instruction must take place in school hours.
One of the features of the dispute has been the chasm which has developed between the parents and board of management. It appears the majority of parents are solidly behind a principal who they regard as diligent and professional. Despite this, the board is pressing ahead with its attempts to remove Mr O'Dulaing.
While no one doubts the good intentions of the board, this sorry episode highlights the manner in which parents are marginalised in the Irish education system. The parents appear to have no mechanism which would allow them to challenge the decision of the board. Sadly, this is typical of the situation across the Irish education system where parents continue to punch well below their collective weight. Many parents feel rightly aggrieved that they have little real say in the workings of the school, to which they have entrusted their children.
In the Dunboyne dispute, the Department of Education, as always on such occasions, is reluctant to become involved in such a sensitive matter. But why is it content to adopt such a passive role when it funds the operation of the school? At the very least, it should appoint a mediator to help broker a compromise.
The former Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, is right when he says the whole dispute raises important questions including the relationship of the principal vis a vis the board of management and the options available to parents if they are unhappy with arrangements in schools. But it raises still more fundamental questions about the very nature of our society and its tolerance of the minority view.
All of us who live on this island understand the dangers of a majoritarianism where the wishes of one minority group are crushed. The board of management in Dunboyne should yield some ground. It should remove its threat to Mr O'Dulaing and display some generosity of spirit towards its Protestant minority.