Primary school education failure

The statement issued by Government sources that the proposed children’s rights amendment to the Constitution will be a “strong, robust article designed to enhance the constitutional protection of children from abusive situations” is somewhat lacking in credibility.

Already we have two child-specific constitutional obligations in our Constitution, neither of which is implemented.

The first is the obligation on the State to provide for free primary education. It isn’t free and it is but a pious aspiration. The second issue that concerns us and many parents — including those who made their feelings known to the Irish Human Rights’ Commission in 2010 — is the obligation on the State to ensure that any child may attend any school which is in receipt of public money without being indoctrinated while in class (Article 44.4.2).