Survey reveals 40% of parents seek non-religious school ethos in Ireland

The Department of Education released survey results this summer showing that 40% of parents are not happy for their children to attend religious schools. The data indicates that 40.2% of households linked to denominational schools prefer a multi-denominational ethos. This preference stands in contrast to the current system, where roughly 90% of primary schools operate under the patronage of Catholic or other denominational organizations.

The findings arrived 15 years after the government committed to a program of school patronage divestment. The original promise aimed to introduce more choice into the system. While some progress has been made, the number of schools still under a religious patron remains high. The state currently manages general education, while religious education is typically handled within the school setting.

Karin Fischer, a professor at the University of Orléans in France, discussed the findings on The Claire Byrne Show. She suggested that a strong government inertia is at play. Fischer noted that many people want change but may be waiting for clear explanations. "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," she said.

Fischer argued that successive governments have favored incremental and prudent changes. She believes the Irish public is ready to move more quickly if the process is clearly explained. "If things were explained [well], I think that a lot of people in Ireland would be ready to listen to that and would be ready for change," she stated.

The expert pointed to Quebec as a model for structural reform. In that region, the state changed the system by introducing a network of boards with local authorities. The Catholic Church accepted responsibility for religious education outside the school setting. Fischer described this arrangement as perfectly feasible for Ireland.

Catholic patrons have publicly stated they recognize the state's responsibility to provide greater diversity of school choice. They support the decision made 15 years ago to pursue divestment. The survey data suggests a significant portion of the population is open to a model where the state oversees education and religion is taught outside the formal school curriculum.

The results provide a concrete baseline for ongoing debates about school patronage. With nearly 90% of primary schools still under religious patronage, the gap between current structure and parental preference remains a central issue in education policy discussions.