Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct in his assumption that the B.Ed courses provided by all five colleges of education currently include modules on religious education. This reflects the fact that primary schools are overwhelmingly denominational and have traditionally played and continue to play a significant role in the faith formation of their pupils, and the colleges have prepared their students accordingly. As the Deputy will be aware, in relation to the Church of Ireland College of Education, a formal derogation under the provisions of the Employment Equality Act is sought from the House.

My officials have been in contact with the colleges to seek elaboration as to how the process works in practice, and the experiences the colleges may have had in dealing with any situation arising in this regard. The issue was also discussed at a recent biennial meeting between the colleges and my officials.

It may be of interest to Deputy to learn that all colleges have indicated that the issue of an exemption being sought by a student teacher in relation to the religious education module has not arisen in practice. The colleges have indicated that any such request from a student teacher would be looked at pragmatically were it to arise. In short, they have indicated that were such a situation to arise they would seek to ensure that it would not be an impediment to a student graduating as a teacher. In fact, one of the colleges has indicated that it is now in the process of proactively making provision to facilitate any student who expresses conscientious objections in the way the Deputy has described. The colleges are keen, irrespective of the legal position, to ensure they cater for the needs of all students.

On a related note, and as indicated previously in this House, my Department will seek the view of the Office of the Attorney General on the legal and constitutional aspects of this issue. In the meantime, there will be further engagement with the colleges with a view to advancing the matter. It is important to stress that the colleges are positively disposed to creating as inclusive an environment for students as possible and I support them in this regard.

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