# baptism barrier
Last year
2022
# baptism barrier
Dublin archdiocese saw 10% decline in christenings in the year after 'baptism barrier' was removed
Baptisms in Dublin dropped from 13,234 to 11,922 between 2018 and 2019.
In Dublin, the rate of baptisms decreased by roughly 10% between 2018 and 2019.
In that same year, Ireland’s birth rates fell from 61,016 to 59,796, according to the CSO.
Ireland in 2018 amended legislation to remove the so-called “baptism barrier”.
All time
# baptism barrier
Religion to be formally removed as entry-requirement from most primary schools from today
The so-called ‘baptism barrier’ is set to be removed by the Minister for Education today.
# baptism barrier
Baptism barrier in schools set to be lifted this year
The new rules are expected to take effect this year.
# religious reasons
'No more baptism barrier': Catholic schools won't use religion as admission criteria, says Bruton
There will still be exceptions in cases of minority schools, the Minister said.
# baptism barrier
'All the children that live in our building got places in local schools - our daughter didn't'
The family’s story sparked a debate on the controversial ‘Catholics first’ policy in many primary schools.
Voices
Religion in schools: 'My son comes home saying things like, 'God makes it rain''
For many parents the real problems begin once their child has secured a place in school.
Voices
Debate Room: 'It's only fair that Catholic children are prioritised in Catholic schools'
Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, plans to legislate on the controversial school admissions system soon. But what about the right of minority faiths to prioritise pupils of their faith?
# school admissions
Catholic group says 95% of their schools don't have a baptism barrier
As it stands schools are legally permitted to select students based on their religion.
