Two Dublin Catholic primary schools sent letters to parents saying a potential change in patronage would end in-school celebration of religious holidays, sparking a row among parents.
The schools, Scoil Naomh Mearnóg and Scoil an Duinnínigh, are among the eight the Dublin Archdiocese has asked to consider a change of patronage, after a Department of Education survey of parents found a desire for non-Catholic primary education in the Portmarnock-Malahide-Kinsealy area of North Dublin.
Prof. Tom Finnegan, lecturer in Theology at Mary Immaculate College, said there should be opt-outs for children in schools where they do not share the school ethos.
