In her column in the Irish Times on Saturday, Breda O’Brien of the Irish Times argued for denominational education, on the grounds of parental choice, pluralism and the overall quality of Catholic education. 

In support of her argument that is there is a demand for denominational education, she said: “A poll for the Iona Institute, of which I am a patron, and rigorous research by the Council for Research and Development of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, independently found that about 50 per cent of parents actively want denominational education for their children.” 

She went on to defend Catholic schools specifically: “Ireland is far less secular, but even parents who are less than committed know the success of Catholic educators is linked to Catholic values, especially the belief that children are unique and deserve care because they are loved by God. Not all parents share that belief, but many are happy to share the fruits. 

“The majority of parents like the Catholic values they see in the schools – respect for every human life, a concern for justice and equality and fairness. They recognise that these values are counter-cultural, a challenge to consumerist individualism. 

“The myth of Catholic schools as places that indoctrinate and control needs to be nailed because it is unfair and unjust. It is being perpetuated by people who are completely out of touch with the broad, liberal education being offered by Catholic schools.”