Note: if you have not already done so, please also read our introductory page of key facts about opting your child out of religious education classes.


This letter should be addressed to the Principal. If you do not get a reply within two weeks write to the Board of Management.


If you do not get a reply or they refuse to let you opt out your child from any Religious teaching, formation and Religious Services

contact the Office for the Ombudsman for Children here. You can also Contact the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission here.

Dear ...

I wish to exercise my Constitutional Right under Article 44.2.4 to opt my child out of any Religious teaching, formation and any Religious services.

Section 30 – 2 (e) of the Education Act 1998 reads: “Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Minister – shall not require any student to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student or, in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student.”

In addition Article 14 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that:-

“ States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. “

The Guidelines for the Inclusion of other faiths in Catholic schools recognises that there is a right to opt out of religion in second level schools and of course this can only apply to primary level as well. On page 11 it states that:-

“Withdrawal from RE Class.
Some parents, however, do have concerns and may wish to withdraw their child from RE class, as is their constitutional right.

A student cannot be required to receive religious education from a particular faith basis against the wishes of the student’s parents or against his or her own wishes once he or she turns eighteen years of age. However, withdrawal from religion class needs to be negotiated with school management and hopefully addressed during their enrolment meeting.”

http://www.schoolethos.ie/webfm_send/718

I wish to opt (child’s name) out of this class. Please confirm this in writing and I would ask you not to discuss this matter with my child.

I/We would also like to point out that under GDPR requirements there is no need for any school to ask our religious affiliation or whether we have any religious affiliation. There is also a requirement not to put us in a position where we would have to reveal our convictions in order to opt out our child.

Yours faithfully,

Dear ...

I wish to exercise my Constitutional Right under Article 44.2.4 to opt my child out of any Religious teaching, formation and any Religious services.

Section 30 – 2 (e) of the Education Act 1998 reads: “Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Minister – shall not require any student to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student or, in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student.”

In addition Article 14 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that:- “ States Parties shall respect the right of the child to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. “

The Guidelines for the Inclusion of other faiths in Catholic schools recognises that there is a right to opt out of any religious teaching. On page 11 it states that:-

“Withdrawal from RE Class. Some parents, however, do have concerns and may wish to withdraw their child from RE class, as is their constitutional right. A student cannot be required to receive religious education from a particular faith basis against the wishes of the student’s parents or against his or her own wishes once he or she turns eighteen years of age. However, withdrawal from religion class needs to be negotiated with school management and hopefully addressed during their enrolment meeting.”
http://www.schoolethos.ie/webfm_send/718
I wish to opt (child’s name) out of this class. Please confirm this in writing and I would ask you not to discuss this matter with my child.

I/We would also like to point out that under GDPR requirements there is no need for any school to ask our religious affiliation or whether we have any religious affiliation. There is also a requirement not to put us in a position where we would have to reveal our convictions in order to opt out our child.

Yours faithfully,