Richard Bruton’s school plans could give immigrants an Irish welcome

Religion, as a form of social organisation, has taught us to equate progress with welcoming strangers, writes Victoria White.

Photo caption: Third-class students Alicia Ledden (left) and Jamie Carroll with Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, in the Central Model School on the campus of the Department of Education and Skills, as the minister announced plans to accelerate the provision of multi-denominational schools. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

HAVE asked Syrians waiting patiently in Greece for their passage to Ireland what made them put this country high on their wish list. “Because we will have the freedom to practise our religion,” they said.