Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 485: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 15 June 2010, if the revised curriculum from 1971 with regard to religious instruction is combining both religious education and faith formation within the hours of the school day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26819/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The 1971 primary curriculum is no longer in place. A revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 and implemented on a phased basis over the period to 2008. Neither the 1971 curriculum nor the 1999 curriculum include a syllabus for Religious Education at primary level. While Religious Education forms part of the curriculum in schools, the programme offered is one which is approved by the Patron of the school in accordance with the ethos and characteristic spirit of the school. With the agreement of the Patron, schools may substitute an ethical education programme for this subject, if they wish to do so.

In denominational schools, the religious education curriculum developed by the Patron generally includes both religious education and faith formation. In schools where the Patron is Educate Together, children are taught a broad religious ethical and moral programme and faith formation is provided outside of school hours. Under Section 30.2(e) of the Education Act 1998 no student is required to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of his/her parent. Such students must be allowed to withdraw from religious education where this is sought.