Irish Bishop Tom Deenihan condemns “false” portrayals of Catholic schools, calling claims of indoctrination “revisionist” and misleading.
Newsroom (23/04/2026 Gaudium Press) A senior Catholic bishop has strongly criticised what he describes as an “ill-informed and false” portrayal of Catholic schools as oppressive institutions, arguing that such claims are driven by ideology rather than lived experience or evidence.
Speaking at an event in Co Meath, Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said a growing narrative—promoted by groups he claims are backed by “ideological philanthropic entities, many from outside the State”—has distorted public understanding of the Catholic Church’s role in Irish education. According to Deenihan, these groups have sought to influence both political discourse and media coverage with what he called a “narrow, nuanced and distorted narrative.”
While acknowledging historical failings, Deenihan emphasised the long-standing contribution of Catholic orders to education in Ireland. “Yes. There were atrocities. We share that shame,” he said. “But Catholic orders and congregations were providing education long before free education in Ireland.”
The bishop argued that contemporary criticisms often ignore current realities within Catholic schools. Citing independent research, he said such schools are among the most inclusive in the country, not only in terms of religion but also across socio-economic, ethnic and ability lines.
“Independent and reputable research has indicated that Catholic schools are the most inclusive,” he said, adding that they cater to a broad spectrum of students from diverse backgrounds.
Deenihan expressed concern that Catholic schools are increasingly blamed for systemic issues in Irish education. “One could be forgiven for thinking that the Catholic school is the reason for every current ill in the world of Irish education,” he remarked.
He illustrated this point by recounting a conversation with an academic who observed that students studying social history frequently attribute Ireland’s past social problems to the influence of the Catholic Church. Deenihan described this trend as “pure revisionism” and reflective of an “unreflective absorption of a particular and, perhaps, fashionable narrative.”
The bishop also took aim at what he termed a “negative, ideologically driven and adversarial depiction” of Catholic schools as “grim places of indoctrination that children are forced to attend by Church and State.” Such characterisations, he insisted, are both inaccurate and misleading.
His comments come in the wake of a recent survey on school patronage and divestment, which found that more than 60 per cent of respondents favoured retaining Catholic ethos in their schools. Deenihan said the findings should not have come as a surprise.
“In fact, it is most surprising that our journalists and many of our commentators and politicians are surprised,” he said. “Lived experience must inform one’s opinion, and I suspect that has not been the case in the discussion on Catholic education.”
He argued that respecting the survey’s outcome is essential to democratic principles, including pluralism, parental choice and inclusion. “Democracy, maturity, pluralism, respecting parental choice, and even inclusion itself, demand that we accept the result of that survey,” he said.
At the same time, Deenihan indicated openness to change where there is genuine local demand. As chair of the Bishops’ Council on Education, he said he would support divestment initiatives if they reflect the wishes of parents and school communities.
“If there is a wish for divesting in any part of my diocese, I… would happily engage with the Department of Education and Youth to initiate a closer examination of the wishes of parents and staff,” he said. “If there is a wish for divesting, I would respect that and it would happen.”
The bishop was speaking at an event marking the 50th anniversary of St Oliver Plunkett National School in Navan, where he serves as patron. The school itself reflects the diversity he highlighted, with 397 pupils representing 12 different denominations, alongside non-faith students. It also includes two special classes, and 40 per cent of parents were not born in Ireland.
For Deenihan, such examples challenge the prevailing narrative and underscore what he sees as the continued relevance and inclusivity of Catholic education in modern Ireland.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Irish Times
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