The D\u00e1il will debate a Social Democrats\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Deputy Jen Cummins, who is the party\u2019s education spokesperson, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the D\u00e1il 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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\u2019 beliefs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also believe that the last government\u2019s commitment to hold a Citizens\u2019 Assembly to make recommendations on the future of the education system \u2013 which has been downgraded to a national convention by the current administration \u2013 should now be honoured.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite successive governments claiming to be committed to educational pluralism, the vast majority of schools \u2013 more than 90 per cent \u2013 remain under religious patronage, even as demand for multi-denominational options has grown.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to accelerate efforts to ensure every family can access a school that represents their values and respects those of all faiths and none.<\/p>\n
\u201cIreland is changing \u2013 our education system must reflect that change.\u201d<\/p>\n