Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that offer alternatives such as philosophy classes when children are withdrawn from religion classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27045/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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.  It is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request.

The nature of the arrangements put in place by a school to ensure this right is upheld is a matter for each individual school.  Accordingly, my Department does not hold information in relation to same.

However, the Deputy will be aware that the forthcoming Education (Admissions to Schools) Bill 2016 includes a specific requirement that a school’s enrolment policy 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.