We can’t allow schools to discriminate on religious grounds

Approximately 95% of our primary schools are run by churches. This situation cannot be allowed to continue, argues Michael Barron of the rights group, Equate

EARLIER this week, the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton announced that he is starting a new process aimed at delivering on the Programme for Government commitment of reaching 400 non- and multi-denominational schools by 2030.

This is welcome news. In my work with Equate, a children and family rights organisation which advocates for a substantial change in how primary and secondary school education is delivered in Ireland, I speak to parents every day who are crying out for a change in how our state-funded schools are run.