Principal sacked in religon row is 'heartbroken'

The principal of a Co Meath Gaelscoil who was sacked yesterday following a row over the teaching of religion has said he is "heartbroken" by the decision.

Speaking on RTE radio this morning Mr Tomás Ó Dúlaing, the former head of the inter-denominational Gaelscoil in Dunboyne, said he was "extremely disappointed but not completely surprised" at his dismissal.

Mr Ó Dúlaing said: "The issue of religion is an extremely sensitive one. It does incredible things to people and unfortunately for me it’s ended up in my dismissal."

The four-month-long row had centred on whether religious instruction should take place within school hours.

Mr Ó Dúlaing had argued it was wrong that protestant children should have to remove themselves from class when their catholic classmates were being taught about Holy Communion.

He maintained that preparation for Holy Communion should take place outside school hours.

The board of management at the school had insisted that all religious instruction take place within school hours. The decision to dismiss Mr Ó Dúlaing was taken by the school's patron body An Foras Patrúnachta.

The INTO's general secretary, Mr John Carr, said the decision would cause "outrage" among teachers. Mr Carr said Mr Ó Dúlaing had been sacked for taking a "principled stand on conscientious grounds".

He added: "It is a grave error of judgment that will have far-reaching consequences in all primary schools."

Two of the 12 members of An Foras Patrúnachta have resigned in protest.