Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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87. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to review the requirement of a certificate of religious education for entry in to primary school teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21966/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A Certificate of Religious Education is not a requirement for entry to primary initial teacher education programmes. Some of the Colleges of Education offer an optional Certificate in Religion programme which is separate to the Bachelor of Education. The Certificate is required as a condition of employment in catholic schools and as an employment matter is not within my Department's remit.

The Teaching Council which is responsible for the maintenance of standards in teaching and registering teachers does not require a separate qualification in Religious Studies for registration as a primary school teacher.