Bishop Brendan Leahy has defended the right of denominational schools to choose their ethos.

Responding to plans by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to introduce a new Beliefs and Religions subject at primary level which has the potential to negatively affect the daily 30 minutes of teaching time afforded to faith formation in denominational schools, Bishop Leahy told The Irish Independent that the rights of schools on religious education were guaranteed both in the Constitution and law.

“It is very important for denominational schools to be able to present their faith perspective and ethos,” he stressed.

Acknowledging that many people are “uncomfortable” with the Church’s ongoing involvement in education, Bishop Leahy pointed out that “there are many people who don’t feel that way”. In this he referenced the 2012 study on parental preference in primary school patronage which, he said demonstrated clearly “how few people actually said they didn’t want religion”.

Having unveiled its proposal for the Education about Religion, Beliefs and Ethics (ERBE) subject, the NCAA has launched a consultation process on the matter. The Independent reported that just 48 hours into that process, some 850 people had already offered their views via the online questionnaire.

Speaking on behalf of the Irish Bishops about the consultation, Bishop Leahy said: “Clearly this is something that we will be engaging with, because we have been asked to. We will be putting forward our considerations.”