The Hijab Debates

Ireland has finally jumped onto the bandwagon of the great Hijab Debates that have swept across Europe. This has largely been a media-driven debate since there has actually been no problems with schoolgirls wearing the hijab in this country to this point. The government is expected to publish guidelines for schools before the start of the next school year. These guidelines will most likely advise board of managements that the hijab should be allowed to be worn provided the colour is consistent with the uniform. However, this issue has caused much debate in recent weeks in Ireland with opinions both in favour and opposed making themselves heard. However, in a poll conducted by The Irish Times it was found that a majority of people support the right of Muslim girls to be allowed to wear the hijab. In a country with strong religious traditions it is not surprising that there does seem to be some unity amongst the more religious in our society against the possibility that secularist advances could make as a consequence of banning religious symbols in schools. That is not to mention the whole argument that revolves around the freedom of the individual.

A debate on this issue is currently underway on the new Irish Times blog. The debate has also touched on integration, immigration and what it means to be Irish. Interestingly, the Minister for Integration, Conor Lenihan, has also contributed to the blog debate.

If you wish to read my comments you will find them at

Comment 28: 'Irish society is constantly developing. This process of development comes on many fronts. This once traditional Catholic society is being changed by myriad forces from...'

Comment 43: 'Mona, what is ‘full integration’? Before we can talk about integration, multiculturalism or whichever we have to agree on definitions surely. I can cast my mind back...'


The crux of my argument is that Ireland is defined by its democratic nature, the right to free speech, the right to be treated equally before the law, to own property and all the positive aspects that are part of the package of liberal democracies. The issue of wearing the hijab in school or at one’s workplace does not threaten to bring down these fundamental values of the Irish state.