Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the second level religious education programme; if it is an academic study subject, in line with his Department's memo following a meeting with the NCCA on 27 January 1995, confirmed by the NCCA in writing to his Department on 11 April 1995; if the State religious education course at second level is optional for students; and if the teaching of this course must be conducted on an objective basis and not in adherence to any particular belief system, including that of the school patron. [39376/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Junior Certificate Religious Education syllabus was published in 2000. It is offered by schools as an optional subject at Junior Certificate level.

In 2016, in excess of 27,000 students sat the examination in Religious Education (from a total cohort of approximately 60,000).

The aim of the syllabus is to provide students with a framework for encountering and engaging with the variety of religious traditions in Ireland and elsewhere and the expectation is that it is taught in this spirit.

The guidelines on teaching provided for teachers and schools states explicitly that learning and teaching should set out to promote an understanding and appreciation of why people believe, as well as tolerance and respect for the values and beliefs of all.

The guidelines also refer to the fostering of awareness that the human search for meaning is common to all peoples, of all ages and at all times. It encourages appreciation of the richness of religious traditions while acknowledging the non-religious interpretation of life.

Leaving Certificate Religious Education is also an optional subject for students. In 2016 a total of 1,320 students sat an examination in the subject.

Like its Junior Certificate equivalent, it is a broadly-based course of study focusing on the value of religious belief and on diversity and mutual respect and is of particular relevance for national and global citizenship. The subject calls on the student to explore issues such as meaning and value, the nature of morality, the development and diversity of belief, the principles of a just society, and the implications of scientific progress.

Both courses are designed to be experienced as educationally valuable and coherent programmes, independent of the dominant beliefs in the learning environment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements that should be in place in circumstances in which a second level student opts out of the State religious education course; and his views on whether that should include access to an alternative subject and that being requested to sit at the back of a classroom does not meet the standards of pluralism and inclusivity. [39377/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the teaching of religion in schools, under the Constitution and in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of religion classes if they so wish.

The manner in which any school ensures that the right to opt out of religion classes is upheld is a matter for the school concerned.

Each individual school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.

My view is that schools should consult parents and students about such matters as religious education and worship and assess demand rather than continue to assume that all students should participate. Schools need to prepare for situations where a majority of students may wish to withdraw and where religious instruction and worship may be required only by a minority.

The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016, which passed second stage on the 17^thNovember 2016, also 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.

I believe this is an important measure which will help ensure transparency from the outset as to how a school will uphold the rights of parents in this regard.

On 5 December 2016, I published the General Scheme of an Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016. The Government have approved the draft outline of a new law, which will require every school to consult with parents and students, and publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter.

The Parents and Students Charter Bill essentially deals with how schools communicate with parents and will provide a greater opportunity for dealing with such issues.

The publication of this draft legislation will fulfil a key commitment in the Action Plan for Education to improve information and complaint procedures for parents and students relating to schools.

The draft legislation defines the principles that will guide how schools will engage with students and parents. Some of the issues which schools will be required to deal with under the charter include:

- Inviting feedback from students and parents and

- Providing better information about School Management and School Policies.

Following consultation with our education partners, including the National Parents Council (Primary), National Parents Council (Post Primary) and the Irish Second-level Students Union, I will finalise national guidelines on a Parent and Student Charter.

The draft Bill will now go to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills for pre-legislative scrutiny.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the terms of reference of the NCCA's forthcoming review of the religious course at second level; if it will be impartial as to the beliefs and interests of religious and non-religious students and their parents or guardians; if this review will address both the content and the method of delivery in the State funded school system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39378/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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There is an existing Junior Certificate syllabus for Religious Education, the aim of which is to provide students with a framework for encountering and engaging with the variety of religious traditions in Ireland and elsewhere.

In accordance with the schedule set out in the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) a new syllabus specification for junior cycle will be introduced in 2019.

In that context, the NCCA will initiate its review of Junior Cycle Religious Education in the coming year.

The practice of the NCCA in this regard is to initially publish a background paper as part of its review process. The Background Paper for Religious Education will be published in mid 2017 and will be the subject of a public consultation.

The background paper will, among other things:

- describe the learning and teaching experiences of students and teachers as they encounter the existing syllabus;

- detail how the examination of the subject as part of the Junior Certificate has evolved over time and the trends in student achievement in that context;

- explore international trends in Religious Education;

- review any relevant research on the operation of the existing syllabus;

- set out a draft brief for the representative development group which will be formed to develop a new curriculum specification.

The existing syllabus is recognised as impartial in its treatment of the area and it is the intention that the new specification will be developed along similar lines. The rigour and transparency of the development process will ensure that the deliberations of the development group will, at all times, be open to scrutiny. The specification, when drafted, will also be the subject of a public consultation, following which, on the basis of feedback, it will be finalised.