State to compile data on number of children who opt out of religious instruction in primary schools

A survey by the Irish National Teachers Organisation found many primary school teachers believe it should not be a school’s responsibility to prepare children for communions, confirmations, and first confessions.

The Department of Education has begun to gather data on the number of children who have opted out of religious instruction in primary schools for the first time.

Principals have been asked to provide the number of requests from parents to withdraw pupils from religious instruction or formation.