Wearing of the Hijab - (press release dated 23-09-2008)

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, and the Minister for Integration Policy, Conor Lenihan TD, today jointly agreed recommendations on school uniform policy.

Minister O’Keeffe said that ‘the recommendations were drawn up following an extensive consultation process by Minister Lenihan with schools, management bodies, parents’ associations and other key stakeholders’.

Both Ministers thanked all parties for their contributions to this process.

Minister Lenihan said that ‘the feedback received from all parties was reasoned and pragmatic’.

The recommendations were formulated on the basis of this feedback and take account of the legal position in Ireland.

Minister O’Keeffe said that the recommendations, which will be formally conveyed to schools shortly, are:

1. The current system, whereby schools decide their uniform policy at a local level, is reasonable, works and should be maintained.
2. In this context, no school uniform policy should act in such a way that it, in effect, excludes students of a particular religious background from seeking enrolment or continuing their enrolment in a school. However, this statement does not recommend the wearing of clothing in the classroom which obscures a facial view and creates an artificial barrier between pupil and teacher. Such clothing hinders proper communication.

3. Schools, when drawing up uniform policy, should consult widely in the school community.

4. Schools should take note of the obligations placed on them by the Equal Status Acts before setting down a school uniform policy. They should also be mindful of the Education Act, 1998. As previously mentioned, this obliges boards of management to take account of ‘the principles and requirements of a democratic society and have respect and promote respect for the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, languages and ways of life in society’.

Minister O’Keeffe said: ‘While 92pc of schools in the country are under the patronage of one religion, it is clear that this fact has not operated to exclude pupils of different religions from these schools or from schools operating under other patronage arrangements.

‘It seems clear that, where schools have permitted the wearing of the hijab in a colour similar to the school uniform, no problems have been encountered.

‘The important consideration here is that all parties involved are clearly aware of the position.’


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