Petition
Current Details
| Reference Number: | P00029/15 |
| Status: | Petition Lapsed on the Dissolution of Dáil Éireann |
| Name of Petitioner: | Mr. Paddy Monahan |
| Petition Title: | Petition for equal school access for all children, regardless of religion, and repeal of section 7(3)(c) of the Equal Status Act 2000 |
| Submitted By: | Individual |
| Petition Text: | Section 7(3)(c) of the Equal Status Act 2000 allows schools operated by religious institutions to discriminate in their enrolment policies against children on the grounds of a child’s religious status. Since almost all schools in the State are owned by religious institutions, though State-funded, children face religious barriers to access to education - barriers that have been created by the State. The mere existence of section 7(3)(c) introduces entirely unwarranted tension, anxiety and uncertainty into the lives of children, parents and families in Ireland.
Based on section 7(3)(c), schools throughout the country state in their enrolment policies that baptised children take preference over unbaptised children. Indeed, in many cases a baptised child from anywhere else may be enrolled ahead of an unbaptised local child. This situation is manifestly unfair, discriminatory and undemocratic. This issue affects not only children and parents but all Irish people with an interest in fairness and democracy.
There is no constitutional basis for this discrimination. Article 44.2.3 of the Constitution states that “The State shall not impose any disabilities or make any discrimination on the ground of religious profession, belief or status”.
To this end, this petition demands the repeal of section 7(3)(c) of the Equal Status Act 2000 and that the Government takes any and all actions necessary to ensure fair and equal access to education for all children within the State |
Historical Details
| 1) | Status: | Being Examined For Compliance With Standing Orders | | | Date: | 04 Oct 2016 |
Published: 09 Jan 2017 12:52:35
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