Averil Power (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very unusual for me to disagree with Senator Norris. On religion teachers, I think the purpose of Senator Zappone's amendment is that even on the religion ground, it should be a genuine occupational requirement. In a second level school, obviously somebody opts to teach religion as a core subject. In a primary school, every teacher has to teach religion - it is part of the job. I do not think it is a genuine occupational requirement that a primary school teacher should be of the same faith as the school, provided the person is prepared to teach the curriculum, whether of a different belief or a non-believer. Obviously, there will be more passion from somebody who believes. I appreciate that. With 95% of our schools under religious patronage, it is unfair that a requirement to be of the same belief as the school would be a restriction on employment.