Education Minister Joe McHugh has said Christmas won't be cancelled in schools that are changing from a Catholic patronage.
He's tweeted reassurance to parents, grandparents and school communities to clear up what he claims are a "considerable amount of inaccurate information" being shared about what'll happen if a school changes patron.
"These assertions have not been helpful. They are also creating fear and uncertainty.
"Just to be clear - Christmas will not be cancelled. Neither will any other typical school holiday like Eater or St Patrick's Day.
"Pancake Tuesday won't be banned. Nor will holidays or celebrations associated with the ancient Celtic/Pagan festival of Halloween.
He also said that assessing areas for potential new patrons "is not about forcing change."
"No decisions on reconfiguration will be required by September," he added.
A short message on the misinformation around surveys on attitudes towards a possible change of patron in schools... pic.twitter.com/wogQSyivtA
— Joe McHugh (@McHughJoeTD) April 3, 2019
It comes after parents in north Dublin were warned that their children may be prevented from celebrating the holidays, if school patronage is changed from a Catholic to non-denominational model.
But Minister McHugh has said it's setting "a bad example".
