Royal Black in protest over Republic's schools cuts
THE Royal Black Institution has said it is seriously concerned about Irish government cuts to the budgets of Protestant secondary schools in the Republic.
Earlier this year the Orange Order went to Leinster House in Dublin to protest about the proposals.
They met Education Minister Batt O'Keefe and Fine Gael Education spokesman Brian Hayes.
The Royal Black is also now planning to meet Mr O'Keefe and Mr Hayes in the near future.
A resolution calling for a reversal of the decision was adopted.
It read in part: "Many of our members and of the wider public believe this policy has sectarian undertones and discriminates against the minority population in the Republic of Ireland.
"We call on the government of the Republic of Ireland to put in place a funding system that restores the confidence of the Protestant population before it is too late and schools have to close.
"This attack on the Protestant ethos is totally unwarranted and must be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
"To do otherwise would be to confirm the worst fears of the Protestant community that it is not regarded as an important part of the Republic of Ireland."
DUP MP David Simpson backed the institution's stance.
He said: "Having reviewed the situation pertaining to Protestant-managed schools in the Republic of Ireland, I find myself in full agreement with the concerns expressed by the RBP. It is entirely unacceptable that these schools should be facing massive budget cuts.
"Given the sad history of the minority Protestant population in the Irish Republic - one of persecution and state-sanctioned discrimination - it is imperative that the government of that country do all in its power to dispel the perception of on-going discrimination."
The Irish department of education said it was committed to supporting Protestant schools.
A spokesman said: "The Government continues to provide the Block Grant, which was increased this year and amounted to €6.5 million."
He denied the state was being unfair as the minister had to obey Irish law: "The Constitution, in article 44, permits state aid to denominational schools, but only on the basis that there be no discrimination between schools under different religious management.
"It is clear, therefore, that a return to the status quo ante is not legally possible.
"However, the minister is committed to working with the Protestant community to identify and resolve issues that may affect some of their schools, particularly those in rural areas, and to examine how these might be examined in a manner consistent with the Constitution."
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Monday 28 May 2012
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