Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will, in respect of the two community national schools operating in north County Dublin, give details of the academic who has been hired as a consultant by his Department to advise on the issue of the provision of denominational religious education within these schools; the provisions made within these schools for those pupils whose parents have not sought religious denominational education; the terms of reference and conditions of the contract; when the academic's report will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19242/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Community National School model is proceeding on the basis of very clearly stated principles in respect of the availability of religious education during the school day, in conformity with the wishes of parents. Approaches to the delivery of religious education in line with these principles are being developed on an action research basis over the course of the pilot phase.

The research project is being undertaken by a Research Officer with suitable qualifications in the field of curriculum development and with considerable practical experience in this area and is being facilitated by County Dublin VEC as patron-designate.

The Research Officer's initial brief is to develop a programme for Junior and Senior Infants in the first instance. The programme will provide a draft for future development in these schools and possibly elsewhere. The action research began in June 2008 and is expected to continue until programmes have been developed for children up to sixth class.

The research project is assisted by a Reference Group which includes representatives of non-theist perspectives. This will accommodate the development of an appropriate programme of moral development for children whose parents do not wish them to participate in multi-faith religious education where it is possible to provide such an option.