The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Thursday (May 8) which will call on the government to increase the number of multi-denominational schools and phase out religious patronage in public education.
Deputy Jen Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said:
“Our motion is about parental choice in education. Parents across the country have long been calling for the expansion of multi-denominational schools, which offer a respectful, welcoming environment for children of all backgrounds.
“In the Dáil this Thursday, the Social Democrats will be calling on the government to reinstate the abandoned commitment to have 400 multi-denominational schools by 2030. We also want to see a policy whereby all future schools are opened under non-religious patronage.
“We are proposing a clear and independent mechanism for patronage change. This would be achieved through the establishment of a statutory framework for changing school patronage, with independent oversight to avoid conflicts of interest by existing patrons.
“In addition, we are calling for faith formation to be removed from the classroom so that it takes place out of school hours in line with families’ beliefs.
“We also believe that the last government’s commitment to hold a Citizens’ Assembly to make recommendations on the future of the education system – which has been downgraded to a national convention by the current administration – should now be honoured.
“Despite successive governments claiming to be committed to educational pluralism, the vast majority of schools – more than 90 per cent – remain under religious patronage, even as demand for multi-denominational options has grown.
“We need to accelerate efforts to ensure every family can access a school that represents their values and respects those of all faiths and none.
“Ireland is changing – our education system must reflect that change.”
May 5, 2025
Note: full text of Soc Dems’ motion here