THE principal of the all-Irish inter-denominational school at the centre of a row over the teaching of religious education has been suspended.
The board of management at Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg, in Dunboyne, Co Meath, took the decision yesterday after a lengthy disciplinary hearing attended by principal Tomas ODulaing.
Mr ODulaing was taken to task after writing to parents opposing a directive about the teaching of religious doctrine to First Communion pupils, claiming that the board was promoting segregation.
After being suspended on full pay at yesterday's hearing, which went on for several hours, Mr ODulaing was told a final verdict on his position would be relayed next week.
Mr ODulaing was not available for comment last night and INTO general secretary John Carr, while not commenting on the detail of the case, pledged "to take whatever steps are necessary to protect the livelihood of our members".
Supporters of Mr ODulaing fear the controversy may lead to the closure of the 112-pupil school, whose ethos is based on giving equal recognition to both Catholic and Protestant beliefs, keeping children together as much as possible while endeavouring to ensure that they receive a full education regarding their respective traditions.
Mr ODulaing's supporters claim he has the backing of teachers, as well as most of the school's parents who last week signed a letter to the board of management asking that the disciplinary proceedings be dropped.
The letter stated that while the board had the right to discipline its employees, Mr O Dulaing had done no more than act on his conscience.
The controversy erupted over the teaching of religion to Catholic children preparing for First Holy Communion, requiring a level of instruction beyond basic education in both religions.
There is particular concern about the question of transubstantiation, the belief that the bread and wine are the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
The board of management believes the instruction should take place within school hours, but Mr O Dulaing argues that this forces Protestant children either to sit through confusing indoctrination or to leave the classroom.
Instead, he wants special instruction for First Communion pupils to take place outside school hours.
The letter from parents to the board of management said that none of them fully appreciated the challenge of interdenominationalism until the preparations for First Holy Communion involved a class what wasn't all Catholic.
That was two years ago and it prompted a review which led to a "religious education policy which safeguarded the children of both the minority and majority" and endorsed by parents, teacher and the board, the letter stated.
This involved special doctrine classes being held after school hours, but the school's patron body, An Foras Patrunachta, overturned the decision and instructed the board of management that there was an obligation to teach, in totality, both religions within official school hours.
The board of management directive on this prompted Mr O Dulaing's letter to parents in which he claimed the board decision was undemocratic and made segregation unavoidable.