Call for More Multi-Faith Schools in Ireland

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance has recommended that Ireland open more multi-faith schools in a report published on Thursday.

The ECRI urges Ireland to implement legislation that will promote the establishment of schools that are multi-faith or non-denominational.

At present, Catholic schools make up the majority of primary schools in Ireland (98%). While parents can request that their children refrain from taking part in religious rites, the report warned that this left many children feeling "singled-out".

Its recommendations follow a previous ECRI report which said Ireland needed to consider providing alternative religious education or a form of religious education which embraces all faiths.

According to the report, the Irish authorities have informed the ECRI that they are currently exploring alternative models of school provision.

"This is a welcome decision as the growing diversity of Irish society has seen an increase in demand for multi-denominational or non-denominational schools that the current practical and legislative infrastructure is unable to meet, in particular as schools have the power to refuse admission in order to preserve their 'ethos'," said the ECRI.