Requiring primary teachers to obtain Catholic certificate in religious studies 'discriminatory'
The country's largest teachers' union is to acknowledge requiring teachers to obtain the Catholic certificate in religious studies is a 'discriminatory' employment barrier.
However, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has stopped short of working towards removing single-faith religious education from the school day, beginning with the requirement for teachers to prepare children for the Catholic sacraments.
It follows a motion put to delegates at the union's annual congress in Galway on Wednesday. Delegates passed a number of the proposals put to the floor but failed to gain a general consensus on several sections of the motion.
This included acknowledging the focus on inclusivity and wellbeing were 'ineffective', while the majority of primary schools remain under religious control.
A section of the motion that instructed the union's officials to begin a campaign with the Department of Education to remove single-faith religious education from the school day, as well as urge a ban on religious teaching qualifications for State-funded schools also failed to pass.
It comes as the INTO published research that found many teachers have conflicting views on the patronage of Irish primary schools.
Despite Government commitments to increasing diversity, 88.3% of primary schools remain under Catholic patronage, while less than 6% have a multi-denominational ethos.
The study saw more than 1,000 primary school teachers asked their views on religion in schools.
When asked if "faith formation" should take place in primary schools, a majority (57%) said it should not.
Faith formation includes developing a child's understanding of and with the Catholic faith and includes preparation for the sacraments as well as the Catholic ethos permeating the whole school day.
Just 4% of the teachers surveyed thought preparing children for the sacraments should be a school's responsibility, compared to 47% who believe the family should be responsible.
A further 30% said it should be a parish's responsibility, and 18% said it should be both parents and parish.
The study also found 'wide variation' in the level of parental involvement with preparing children for the sacraments.
The findings from the survey, as well as the work of a taskforce set up to examine the issue, show "a concern among teachers about the mismatch between modern Irish society and the structures governing our primary schools", INTO general secretary John Boyle said.
"INTO members want a school system that is inclusive, equitable and reflective of the diversity of our pupils. Today's resolution and recommendations will guide the work of the union in the coming years.'
Read More
Most teachers think schools should not prepare pupils for church sacraments, survey finds
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Harris urges exemption for key sectors from retaliatory tariffs
Tánaiste Simon Harris has urged the EU's trade commissioner to exempt sectors key to the Irish economy, such as aviation, medical, agrifood and the equine industry, from any retaliatory tariffs the EU could impose on a range of US products should the current trade negotiations fail. In a letter to Maroš Šefčovič, seen by RTÉ News, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade also urged the trade commissioner, previously the EU's Brexit negotiator, to ensure that Europe's potential retaliation against US President Donald Trump's threat of sweeping tariffs does not adversely impact Northern Ireland. The letter essentially sets out the Government's position as the deadline for a potential escalation of the trade war between President Trump and the European Union looms. Talks between EU and US trade officials have been intensifying in recent days in an effort to avert wholesale US tariffs on European goods, which in turn would trigger a significant retaliatory response by the EU. On 2 April, President Trump announced 20% "reciprocal" tariffs on nearly all European goods, as well as sweeping duties on scores of other countries. After turbulence on the bond markets Mr Trump paused the 20% tariffs for 90 days (until 9 July). Negotiations between the European Commission, led by Mr Šefčovič, and the Trump administration, led by Trade Secretary Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, then got under way. Last month, Mr Trump threatened to hit the EU with 50% tariffs, complaining that negotiations were "going nowhere". That threat was lifted following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. US and EU teams negotiating a potential trade deal that would lift the threat of mutual tariffs have intensified their work in recent days. Despite that the EU has been readying a list of hundreds of US product lines worth some €95 billion which could be hit by retaliatory tariffs should those negotiations fail. The list, which was published on 8 May, was followed by a four week consultation period between the European Commission and member states. Mr Harris's letter to Mr Šefčovič essentially codifies Ireland's concerns about the damage the list could do to key sectors of the Irish economy. He wrote: "I have heard concerns both about the immediate impact of the proposed rebalancing measures on imports, but also about the potential for them to result in further retaliatory action by the US. "I believe this is a reasonable and well-founded concern which we must also take account of in formulating our approach. It is particularly acute in the agri-food and drinks sector." The Tánaiste highlights the risk to Ireland's "leading" role in the global aviation sector, given that it is home to Ryanair, "Europe's largest airline, as well as the world's leading aircraft leasing sector." The Government believes that the leasing sector would be damaged given its reliance on US spare parts. "Given the limited capacity of EU manufacturers to meet demand in the sector, I believe that rules of origin for goods with a very long service life, such as whole aircraft and helicopters, need to be very carefully considered in the eventual approach to applying tariffs. "Specifically, I would ask that used aircraft are excluded from import tariffs," he wrote. The Tánaiste also highlighted the risk to Ireland's medtech industry, which relies heavily on an integrated supply chain with the United States. He wrote: "I have consulted with stakeholders and have concerns about the potential impact of the proposed list, which includes a large number of tariff lines (around 800) which could potentially impact on essential medical devices for European patients. "I would ask that you engage in detail with the medtech sector to ensure that our rebalancing measures are targeted in a way that does not undermine this important sector and the lifesaving technologies they supply to consumers across the EU." He said that while it may be "theoretically possible" for companies to switch suppliers, in practice this was not an immediate option in the short term due to the regulatory and certification requirements. Mr Harris also raised "an issue of serious concern in Ireland," namely the potential for the EU to retaliate by imposing tariffs on animal feed "for which Irish farmers have a very high reliance on imports from the US." He wrote: "Increasing costs on these vital inputs will not only put further pressure on a stressed sector but risks feeding through in increased prices for consumers (in one area, beet pulp, Ireland accounts for the entirety of EU imports)." The Tánaiste also raised concerns about the inclusion of pure breeding horses on the EU's list of countermeasures. He wrote: "The equine sector provides significant employment in rural areas, with the US by the far the largest export market for Irish thoroughbreds outside the UK. "This trade depends on horses moving in both directions. I would ask that these items be removed from the list - doing so will have a very limited impact on the overall value of the list and would reduce disproportionate impact on Ireland." The Tánaiste concluded by warning about the risk of EU retaliatory measures to Northern Ireland, given its hybrid trade status post-Brexit. "I would also like to highlight the need to minimise unintended consequences on Northern Ireland of the current situation to the extent possible," he wrote. "Considering your deep experience from EU-UK negotiations, and your continuing responsibilities in that relationship, I know you will appreciate that this is a politically sensitive topic and will need careful management." The Government is understood to be relieved that neither pharmaceuticals nor dairy products appear on the list of EU countermeasures. Officials have stressed that while aircraft, spirits, including whiskey, and medical devices are included, the EU's retaliatory measures would be implemented immediately and may not be implemented at all if a deal is reached. While officials have said EU and US teams are making progress, it is understood the final say on whether a trade agreement can avert an escalating trade war will go to President Trump.
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Nearly all government ministers owe money to the State due to pension error, with funds to be ‘fully recouped'
Almost all government ministers and junior ministers owe money to the State due to errors in pension payments. They will be informed in the coming days of the sums to be repaid, ranging from as low as €100 up to €30,000. Although the ministers and other civil servants involved were not at fault in relation to the errors identified in the National Shared Services Office (NSSO), Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said he will ensure 'all monies owed to the State are fully recouped'. In some cases, ministers may be owed money due to the administrative errors. The full scale of the issues, relating to payroll and pensions, and the number impacted is still being assessed. The Cabinet was briefed on the administrative errors in the state HR agency yesterday. One issue relates to a retired senior civil servant who owes €280,000 to the State because their pension was undertaxed, it has been revealed. The retiree is among up to 13,000 retired civil servants and government ministers currently being assessed. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty said there are 'serious questions' over the oversight of the agency 'responsible for putting taxpayers' money into the pockets of very highly paid, with golden pensions, senior civil servants – money they were never entitled to in the first place.' It is understood the NSSO will undertake an 'engagement process' to reach an arrangement with the individual in order to recoup the payment. There are three cohorts impacted by these errors: current and former ministers and office holders; civil service retirees with work-sharing patterns; and retired senior civil servants. Mr Chambers said the errors span different time periods and have been detected in various ways. ADVERTISEMENT One issue relates to the incorrect application of pension deductions for most members of the current Government, ministers of state, some members of previous governments and recent office holders. The amounts involved range from hundreds of euro to the low €30,000s in terms of monies to be recouped. In addition, a number of ministers are due refunds ranging from hundreds of euro to the low €20,000s. Some are unaffected. Another issue relates to 30 cases involving the administration of Chargeable Excess Tax, a tax on pension funds, and Withholding Tax, which is deducted from retirement lump sums, in relation to senior grade civil service pensioners. 'The liabilities for this cohort range from a few hundred euro to €280,000,' Mr Chambers said. Another issue relates to the miscalculation and under-payment of pensions for some work-sharing civil service retirees. These individuals were in receipt of allowances before they retired in the last 20 years or so. 'The issues that have been brought to my attention by the NSSO are completely unacceptable,' Mr Chambers said. 'The NSSO has responsibility for the essential function of the provision of pay and pensions to public and civil servants and it has failed in this fundamental duty. I have instructed the CEO of the NSSO that the multiple errors must be corrected by the NSSO as a matter of urgency.' The NSSO provides human resources, payroll, pension and finance management services to public service bodies, including government departments. Mr Chambers said he is committed to fully and comprehensively addressing the matter to ensure all money owed to the State is fully recouped and money owed to individuals is refunded, and to restore trust in the NSSO. He said a pool of 13,000 retirees will be checked. 'To be clear, this does not imply that all 13,000 will have anomalies, but all 13,000 will be checked,' he said. Mr Chambers said issues arose due to administrative errors in the NSSO and are not the fault of any of the individuals impacted.
Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Money owed by civil servants to State after pensions error to be ‘fully recouped'
Almost all government ministers and junior ministers owe money to the State due to errors in pension payments. They will be informed in the coming days of the sums to be repaid, ranging from as low as €100 up to €30,000. Although the ministers and other civil servants involved were not at fault in relation to the errors identified in the National Shared Services Office (NSSO), Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said he will ensure 'all monies owed to the State are fully recouped'. In some cases, ministers may be owed money due to the administrative errors. The full scale of the issues, relating to payroll and pensions, and the number impacted is still being assessed. The Cabinet was briefed on the administrative errors in the state HR agency yesterday. One issue relates to a retired senior civil servant who owes €280,000 to the State because their pension was undertaxed, it has been revealed. The retiree is among up to 13,000 retired civil servants and government ministers currently being assessed. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty said there are 'serious questions' over the oversight of the agency 'responsible for putting taxpayers' money into the pockets of very highly paid, with golden pensions, senior civil servants – money they were never entitled to in the first place.' It is understood the NSSO will undertake an 'engagement process' to reach an arrangement with the individual in order to recoup the payment. There are three cohorts impacted by these errors: current and former ministers and office holders; civil service retirees with work-sharing patterns; and retired senior civil servants. Mr Chambers said the errors span different time periods and have been detected in various ways. One issue relates to the incorrect application of pension deductions for most members of the current Government, ministers of state, some members of previous governments and recent office holders. The amounts involved range from hundreds of euro to the low €30,000s in terms of monies to be recouped. In addition, a number of ministers are due refunds ranging from hundreds of euro to the low €20,000s. Some are unaffected. Another issue relates to 30 cases involving the administration of Chargeable Excess Tax, a tax on pension funds, and Withholding Tax, which is deducted from retirement lump sums, in relation to senior grade civil service pensioners. 'The liabilities for this cohort range from a few hundred euro to €280,000,' Mr Chambers said. Another issue relates to the miscalculation and under-payment of pensions for some work-sharing civil service retirees. These individuals were in receipt of allowances before they retired in the last 20 years or so. 'The issues that have been brought to my attention by the NSSO are completely unacceptable,' Mr Chambers said. 'The NSSO has responsibility for the essential function of the provision of pay and pensions to public and civil servants and it has failed in this fundamental duty. I have instructed the CEO of the NSSO that the multiple errors must be corrected by the NSSO as a matter of urgency.' The NSSO provides human resources, payroll, pension and finance management services to public service bodies, including government departments. Mr Chambers said he is committed to fully and comprehensively addressing the matter to ensure all money owed to the State is fully recouped and money owed to individuals is refunded, and to restore trust in the NSSO. He said a pool of 13,000 retirees will be checked. 'To be clear, this does not imply that all 13,000 will have anomalies, but all 13,000 will be checked,' he said. Mr Chambers said issues arose due to administrative errors in the NSSO and are not the fault of any of the individuals impacted.
