Press release by The Iona Institute

Iona Institute welcomes education forum but asks Minister Quinn to respect autonomy of remaining denominational schools

March 28, 2011 The Iona Institute today welcomed the setting up by Education Minister, Ruairi Quinn of a forum to examine the handing over of some Catholic primary schools to new patrons.

However, reacting to the announcement, Dr John Murray of The Iona Institute said: “While we welcome the setting up of this forum, we call on the Minister to respect the autonomy of whatever number of Catholic and other denominational schools remain after this process is completed.”

He continued: “In practice, this means guaranteeing the admissions policy of those schools, their employment policy, and also that they can teach whatever is compatible with their beliefs.

“Certain interpretations of the principle of equal treatment are being used to attack the admissions policy, the employment policy and even the course content of denominational schools as ‘discriminatory’. However, if these polices are compromised, then the religious ethos of denominational schools will also be compromised.”

He concluded: “We ask Minister Quinn to make clear his position on this matter”.

Notes to Editors

1.      The Iona Institute is a pro-marriage, pro-religion organisation.