EQUATE have organised a campaign called “Open the School Gate”, which pushes to have legislation changed so as children are no longer excluded from schools due to their religious beliefs.
The “Baptism Barrier” prevents children who have not been baptised from attending their nearest school.
This follows Education Minister Richard Bruton’s plans to increase the numbers of multi-denominational schools to 400 within the next fifteen years.
More than 90% of Ireland’s 3,200 primary schools are managed by the Roman Catholic Church.
Speaking to Newstalk, Michael Barron, Executive Director of EQUATE has said; “Essentially the Oireachtas has the power to amend the Equal Status Act, which would effectively end the baptism barrier”.
Out of Donegals 174 mainstream primary schools, there are only 4 multi-denominational primary schools; Gaelscoil Bhun Crannach, Gaelscoil Éirne, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí, and Letterkenny Educate Together.
Donegal’s two special needs schools; St. Bernadette’s, and Little Angels (both in Letterkenny), are both Catholic.
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