Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his reaction to a recent INTO report, teaching religion in primary schools; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the INTO have recommended that a core common religious education programme should be taught in all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9779/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the proposals made by the INTO in its recent report. At primary level, my Department recognises the rights of the different church authorities to design curricula in religious education and to supervise their teaching and implementation. This right is enshrined in the Education Act 1998. Consequently, although religious education is part of the curriculum for primary schools and schools are obliged to allocate 30 minutes per day for religious instruction, the content of the religion programme is determined by the patron of the school. The question of having a core common religious education programme is a matter for school patrons.

My Department is currently considering a proposal to hold a convention on interdenominational education. A decision on this matter will be taken shortly.