Speaking at the congress of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) in Wexford yesterday, he strongly criticised our denominational school system.

“We still have a denominational national school system,” he said. “Not all are treated equally. In our Constitution, there is an implied support for denominational schooling.

“It is also a constitutional right for parents not to send their children to schools that would violate their conscience. But in reality do they really have that right? Do they really have that choice?

“We have an Equal Status Act where schools have a right to protect their ethos. It is not an absolute right in theory, but in practice it too often is. I think it is a very ironically titled act.

“This is another dark stain in my view, on the national conscience that needs to be removed if we are to have a truly Republican education system. Unbaptised children and their parents in this State are treated as second-class citizens and that has to stop.”

The University College Dublin historyprofessorwas giving a speech in place of an education minister at the INTO’s annual congress yesterday.

The congress focused heavily on matters of equality especially pay for newly qualified teachers.

Prof Ferriter also spoke of equality in relation to teachers and their faith when it comes to seeking employment.

“We also have an Employment Equality Act, which allowed schools to discriminate on matters of employment on religious grounds. It has been amended recently I know to protect LGBT teachers but it doesn’t protect those of no faith.

“Think of the Irish Republic 100 years on. Surely a core republican value is toleration of all faiths and none.”

Prof Ferriter’s 30-minute speech tracked the history of teaching in Ireland over the last 100 years and alsoits evolution in terms of its treatment of staff and students.

“Think about what emanated in recent years from the deliberations of the INTO,” he said. “What do they tell us about the scale of enlightenment that has been experienced in recent times? Well-being in the classroom, learning communities, inclusive schools, special education, health education, Travellers in education, and gender-positive action.”

Both of Prof Ferriter’s parents were primary school teachers and active INTO members. He grew up attending congresses and described his parents as “teachers of great humanity.”