Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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58. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if students in education and training board schools will be in a position to opt out of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, religious education course following circular 0062/2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41619/18]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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59. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions that will be made for students that opt out of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, religious education course in education and training board schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41620/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.

Circular 0062/2018 provides clarification in respect of two key areas. The first key clarification is that where a school intends to provide religious instruction/faith formation, parents must give consent before admission to the class. This means that withdrawal does not arise because the parent has requested a place in the religious instruction class. The other key clarification is that classes following the NCCA Religious Education syllabus in ETB or Community schools cannot have any element of religious instruction or worship involved or forming any part of the class activity. This clear separation of religious instruction from the NCCA Religious Education syllabus has the effect of ensuring that withdrawal does not arise for students studying the NCCA Religious Education syllabus.  

This is to ensure that the state’s Religious Education syllabus is not taught with any element of religious instruction or worship and that where religious instruction is provided, attendance is confined to those who request to attend.

This circular has no impact on a parent's right, under section 30 of the Education Act 1998 and the Constitution, to opt out of any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student.