40.2% of Parents Prefer Multi-Denominational Schools, Survey Finds
New data shows a gap between parental preference and the current school system, where 90% of primary schools remain under religious patronage.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
A Department of Education survey released over the summer revealed that 40.2% of households linked to denominational schools prefer a multi-denominational ethos for their children's education. This finding stands in contrast to the current structure of primary education, where approximately 90% of schools operate under the patronage of religious organisations.
The data indicates that while 60% of parents are content with their children attending religious schools, a substantial minority is not. This split highlights the tension between the existing system and parental preferences for a more diverse range of educational options.
Karin Fischer, a professor at the University of Orléans in France, discussed the findings on The Claire Byrne Show. She suggested that there is a strong government inertia holding back changes in the school system. Fischer noted that many people in Ireland want change and would be ready to listen if the details were explained clearly.
"I would suggest that there's a very strong government inertia. One does get the feeling that a lot of people do want change all the same," Fischer said. She added that successive governments have introduced incremental and prudent changes, but politically, the public might be ready to move more quickly.
The issue of school patronage has been a point of contention for over a decade. Fifteen years ago, the government committed to a programme of divestment aimed at introducing more choice into the system. While some progress has been made, the number of schools under religious patron remains high.
Fischer pointed to Quebec as a model for reform. In that region, the state handles general education while the Catholic Church manages religious education outside of school settings. Fischer described the Quebec approach as a feasible alternative where the church broadly accepted its responsibility for religious instruction in a separate context.
Catholic patrons have publicly acknowledged the state's responsibility to provide greater diversity in school choice. They support the decision made 15 years ago to pursue divestment, aligning their stated position with the government's long-term goal of reducing religious control over primary education.
