Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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524. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of students not wishing to study religion at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick and related matters. [42667/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Under the Constitution and in accordance with the Education Act 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of religion classes and it is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request.

In relation to the school in question, I understand that following an initial decision of the school not to agree to a parent's request to allow his child opt out of religion classes, the school board of management recently considered this matter. The outcome of that consideration is that the school has since allowed the student in question opt out of religion classes in the school.

The Deputy may be aware that the forthcoming Admissions to School Bill includes a specific requirement that school enrolment policies must include details of the school's arrangements for any students who do not wish to attend religious instruction.