A new report has called on the government to do more to ensure schools in the country meet their human rights obligations by increasing diversity and protect students from minorities.

The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) stated that it is vital that educational establishments work to protect the religious freedom of their pupils, both those from the majority Roman Catholic faith and those from other backgrounds.

It made 13 recommendations, including more diversity in the provision of schools available and a revision of the Education Act of 1998 to ensure minority faiths are protected.

President of the IHRC Dr Maurice Manning said that "Ireland is a changing society" and "its increasing diversity brings with it demands for choice in the provision of education which reflects that diversity".

He added that meeting the challenges set out in the report would be difficult, but the will is there to ensure that any obstacles that stand in the way can be overcome.

Last month, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn told the Irish National Teacher's Association's conference that there will be difficult decisions ahead for the system as it tries to implement reforms against a backdrop of significant spending cuts.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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