Limerick school belatedly accepts father’s request for daughter to opt out of religion class

Paul Drury, originally from England but living in Limerick, told RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Monday morning, how Castletroy College had rejected his request last week, to allow his daughter, a first year student at the school, opt out of religious studies, despite her and her father being non-religious.

After the Minister for Education, Jan O'Sullivan, spoke to school's co-patrons, the Education and Training Board (ETB) about the matter, and after telling reporters that parents had a legal right to allow their child not study religion in school, Castletroy College board of management called a meeting to discuss the matter further.

Shortly after 8pm, the board of management - which is run by the ETB in joint patronage with the Bishop of Limerick, Dr Brendan Leahy - decided Mr Drury's daughter could opt out of religion class "with immediate effect".

However, the school board's decision comes with a caveat - the girl must remain in the religion class under supervision while the religion class is being taught to her fellow students.

Prior to the board's decision, a spokesperson for Dr Leahy, who is currently abroad, said: "The matter is to be decided collectively by the board of management."

According to sources, Mr Drury "welcomed" the board's decision.

Earlier in the day, local Anti Austerity Alliance Councillor Cian Prendiville, called on the school in question to "allow pupils full freedom of religion" by not requiring their pupils to study religion against their family's wishes.

"Schools should respect people of all religious beliefs, this includes respecting those of no religious beliefs and atheists," Cllr Prendiville added.

Moving to clarify the rights of parents earlier in the day, Minister O'Sullivan described parents as "primary educators" of their children, adding, "so it is their right to decide whether or not the child attends religious education".

"I hope parents do know their rights, and they should approach (a school) if they wish to have their child exempt from religion," the minister said.

"Normally that is done first through the principal, and if necessary through the board of management," minister O'Sullivan said.

Statement below by Casteltroy College regarding student allowed opt out of religion class at request of her father....

“Mr Drury requested that his daughter be allowed to opt out of the Religious Education course. Following discussion at a regular Board of Management meeting this evening, this request was agreed with immediate effect."

“Mr Drury has been informed of this decision.”