§ 24. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements are currently operating for the teaching of religious education in all schools; what percentage of the curriculum is devoted to the teaching of Christianity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyAll schools are required to provide religious education for all pupils. In schools under the control of the education and library boards, such education must be undenominational and based on the Holy Scriptures. In voluntary schools religious education is under the control of the school managers. On a phased basis, beginning in September 1993, a core syllabus, approved by all the main churches in Northern Ireland and entirely Christian in content, will become compulsory for all schools, as part of the new statutory curriculum. The Northern Ireland Curriculum Council has been asked to produce guidance for schools as to how a wider
31 March 1979 31 March 1993 Number Whole-time equivalent Number Whole-time equivalent Trained nurses 10,787 9,253.6 14,949 12,313.8 Other nurses 3,444 2,964.7 3,889 3,283.0 Student nurses 4,089 4,066.6 760 755.8 Total 18,320 16,284.9 19,598 16,352.6 The figures for 1993 do not include 1,427 Project 2000 students.
292Wapproach, incorporating study of other world religions, might be adopted and implemented within schools' total RE programme.