Dear Friend, – Rob Sadlier’s correspondence (dated October 9th) gives his views on the proposition, “Does religion act as an obstacle in securing a post as a primary teacher?” (Education section, October 8th).
One could counterpose the query, “Does an inadequate proficiency in the Irish language hinder attaining a primary teaching position?” Or, “Does not having a teaching credential obstruct one’s attempt to become a primary teacher?”
In institutions that foster a religious culture, the absence of a credential in that particular ethos could likely prove to be an obstacle, much like in the earlier two situations. Yet, Mr Sadlier labels this as a ‘dishonourable practice’. How else can we maintain an education system that proposes a variety of school types?
Sadlier states, “Nearly 88% of government-aided schools in Ireland are run by Catholic patrons”. Comparable to other schools that are ruled by their proprietors and governing bodies. ‘Rule’ is not a failing, but rather a component of the service to society. This significant number of Catholic patrons emerges from historical situations. Over the years, these patrons, similar to others, have initiated efforts to set up schools serving various communities. The scarcity of secular schools is mainly due to our government’s oversight of adapting to evolving circumstances.
Unforeseen stepping down of Sinn Féin’s parliament member could not happen at an ill-timed moment for a party still in upheaval.
Germany is grappling with the nuances of its ties with Israel amidst ongoing conflict and hardship.
Everyone agrees – Frank McNally’s comments on the unexpected triumph of a play regarding the Good Friday Agreement.
Mental wellbeing: ‘Even though we converse a lot in Ireland, I believe we divulge very little.’
Rob Sadlier asserts, “On the subject of ‘religious education’, any kind of dogmatic teaching is unacceptable, religious or not”. Agreed. This does not indicate the lack of its occurrence. Propagandism implies instructing (an individual or a group) to uncritically accept beliefs, which completely contradicts the concept of true education. Mr Sadlier uses the terms ‘indoctrinate’ and ‘indoctrination’ six times throughout his correspondence. Is he associating religious education with indoctrination? This was certainly far from my school experience in the 1940s and 1950s. Considering the number of residents in Ireland presently who don’t practise any kind of religion, any form of ‘indoctrination’ that might have occurred must have been extremely inefficient.
In his piece on “proselytism,” the author indicates that the system in place during 1831 was far superior and more in line with the ethos of a modern liberal democracy than the one in existence in 2024. As Professor John Coolahan illustrated in his 1981 publication titled “Irish Education: Its History and Structure” (under the imprint of the Institute of Public Administration), the system suggested then was of an interdenominational nature. Contrary to popular belief, the Church of Ireland and the Presbyterian churches were the ones to retract from this arrangement, not the Catholic Church. This commentary was penned by Pádraig McCarthy from Sandyford, Dublin 16.