Public divided on wearing of headscarves in schools in Ireland

Dublin- The Irish public is divided on the issue of whether Muslim pupils should be allowed to wear headscarves in schools, according to an opinion poll published this morning.

Forty-eight per cent of respondents to the TNS/MRBI poll in the Irish Times said the wearing of headscarves should be allowed, but 39% disagreed. Support was highest among women, young people and among Green Party and Sinn Féin supporters. The issue hit the headlines last month when the principal of a school in Co Wexford called on the Government to issues guidelines on the wearing of headscarves. The principal had been asked to allow a Muslim girl wear her headscarf even though it contravened the school rules on uniforms.