Flexible approach good move for religion classes

ONE interesting recommendation in the new report of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) on education is that of having “religion classes in church-run schools confined to the beginning or the end of the day”.

I consider it a brilliant idea — hitherto unmentioned. It allows scope, makes it easier for children to opt out discretely and looks an obvious and practical solution to a delicate manoeuvre.

This approach, too, would make it simpler for monitoring the teaching of religion in order to ensure indoctrination and proselytism did not take place.

I believe, if Education Minister Ruairi Quinn agrees on the adoption of this “beginning or end of day” religious time schedule, it would be flexible and far more popular than taking teaching of religion out of the school day altogether.

James Gleeson

Thurles, Co Tipperary