State 'must provide education options for those of different, and no, faith'

The authors of a new report on religion and education say the State is not in a position to immediately begin providing education that allows for diverse religious beliefs.

However, the Irish Human Rights Commission called on the Government to prioritise a solution to the issue.

The IHRC has passed its report to the Minister for Education, who recently established a forum on patronage and pluralism in schools.

IHRC Commissioner Professor William Binchy said the report recommends that the State provide more different types of schools, and that in the interim, other options be considered.

"Schools should contemplate the teaching of religion at the beginning of the school day, or at the end of the school day. That would facilitate those of different faiths, or of no faith at all," he said.