Adherence to the Catholic faith is not a prerequisite for teaching in Catholic schools, according to an educational body of the Irish Bishops conference.

The statement was in response to an Irish Times article which asked whether religion is a barrier to getting a job as a primary teacher to the extent that “only Catholics need apply”.

The Catholic Education Partnership, an umbrella body for Catholic schools, confirms that a certificate in religious studies (CRS) is a necessary qualification to teach in a Catholic school, but not faith.

“A person does not need to be of the Catholic faith to gain the qualification and religious affiliation is not something asked of candidates in interviews,” says Alan Hynes, the partnership’s chief executive. But, he added, candidates “are asked to demonstrate a knowledge of the Catholic ethos” so they have the capacity to communicate the Catholic faith to children.

Many Church of Ireland schools also seek a Protestant version of the certificate. A separate certificate in “ethical and multi-denominational education” is available for teachers interested in teaching in multi-denominational schools such as Educate Together or Community National Schools managed by education and training boards.

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2023/10/31/only-catholics-need-apply-is-religion-a-barrier-to-getting-a-job-as-a-primary-teacher/