In December of 2015 I had a letter in the paper that alluded to one of the Department of Education rules of 1971 (rule 68), mentioned by Garret FitzGerald in his article (Irish Times Sat Feb 13 2010: “How religion made its way into the primary school system”, see page 52 above).

A report had appeared in The Irish Times of Dec 09 2015. This confirmed for me that the Catholic Church in particular, but also the other Christian churches, had subverted the principle that taxpayers’ money should not be used to benefit just one grouping, but rather all citizens, especially when it comes to education. Tax is paid by every earner in the state; those of all religious beliefs, and those who have no religion at all.

Here’s a quote from the bishops as it appeared in the Irish Times report:

“’It is not the role of the Minister to determine or interfere with the ethos of faith schools. Legal advice available to the Department of Education confirms this,’ it [The Bishops’ Council for Education] said.”