Atheist Ireland Forum

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opi ... 07471.html
This Irish Times editorial (probably written by their excellent Religious Affairs Correspondent) suggests that the report will lead to little change. "But past experience would suggest it is likely to be subjected to procrastination and obstruction."
It also suggests that there will be little change. "The longer the delay, the more likely it is that political energy will drain away and little will change."
I haven't read the report and am not sure that I will. Prising the fingers of the Catholic Church from their stranglehold on our schools is going to be tough and I fear that Minister Quinn, regardless of his personal view, is not going to be able to deliver.

I can not disagree with any of that.

Jane Donnelly discussed the Forum on Patronage report with David Quinn of the Iona Institute on the Marc Coleman show on Newstalk Radio last night.

You can listen back here (interview starts about 5 mins in, lasts for about 20 minutes)

http://media.newstalk.ie/listenback/174/tuesday/2/popup

Thank you, I thought the Guy from the Iona institute was going to be reasonable from his starting statement, but obviously that never lasts, Well done to Jane Donnelly, one thing I would say is that he got away at the end before the time ran out with calling secular parents non religious, I know many religious parents who take a secular position toward education and we need them and should not allow them to be dismissed. But a

Thank you, I thought the Guy from the Iona institute was going to be reasonable from his starting statement, but obviously that never lasts, Well done to Jane Donnelly, one thing I would say is that he got away at the end before the time ran out with calling secular parents non religious, I know many religious parents who take a secular position toward education and we need them and should not allow them to be dismissed. But as I said, it was just before the time ran out.

Well done Jane for standing up to that Iona bully.

Just a little feedback, as someone not directly involved in Atheist Ireland, it was a little confusing what exactly is Atheist Ireland's education policy. Do you want all schools to be secular? Or is it that religious school should receive no funding?

Both stances would appear to be very harsh.

Essentially the policy is that every child in Ireland should have access to education that does not discriminate against them based on their parents' religion. Doesn't seem so harsh to me.

I understand and support that ideal, but what does that actually mean on the ground? What solution are you guys pushing for?

I believe that the two example I gave in my previous post were actually what the Iona bloke put forward as Atheist Ireland's policies, and not what Joan said at all.