Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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39. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to research by Trinity College on religious education which found young students do not want to be separated from each other according to faith; his views on the effects of this practice; the policy initiatives his Department has to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31564/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the research on Community National Schools, carried out by Trinity College Dublin, to which the Deputy refers.

Community National Schools are multi-denominational schools which provide for belief nurturing during the school day.  They aim to accommodate parents who wish to have their children learn about different faiths and beliefs while at the same time nurturing children in their own beliefs.  Community National Schools are committed to excellence in education, inclusion and valuing every member of the school community.

‘Goodness Me, Goodness You’ (GMGY) is the patron’s programme that underpins the characteristic spirit of CNS schools. GMGY is a common programme suitable for pupils of all faiths and beliefs and none.

In Junior Infants to 2nd Class, the children follow the GMGY programme together for the majority of the school year, exploring common themes. There is a belief-specific aspect of the programme. In the junior classes only, children have been grouped for a four week period during GMGY time according to their faith or belief tradition, in line with the wishes of their parents. Lesson content was designed specifically for each grouping. In third to sixth class, children remain in their class groups throughout the year and learn about different faiths and religions together. Belief-specific teaching is integrated into GMGY for these classes.

As noted in the research, the manner in which Community National Schools deliver belief-specific teaching in Junior Infants to second class is evolving. The majority of CNS schools no longer group children according to their beliefs for a four week period each year, and instead all of the children learn about different religions and beliefs together.  I see merit in this approach.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is to commence a review of the patron’s programme in Community National Schools for Junior Infants to second class, starting in September 2017.  I look forward to seeing the outcome of the review.