Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan is to repeal a 50-year-old regulation that gives religion in primary schools a privileged status.

Rule 68 describes religious instruction as "a fundamental part" of schooling and says "a religious spirit should inform and vivify the whole work of the school".

It has long been considered a major obstacle to enabling Irish primary schools to cater properly for children of all religions and none.

Jan O'Sullivan says she will abolish the rule in January with immediate effect:

"It doesn't require legislation, I can do it as Minister. It is a rule that has been there for many decades now, but I suppose isn't hugely applied in schools...I intend to do it in January."

Jan O'Sullivan told Newstalk Breakfast the rule is archaic and the change will come into effect as soon as she orders its removal in January: 

The Minister said there is consultation going on through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in relation to a subject called ERB, education about religion and ethics.

One of the questions being dealt with there is the length of time that should be spent on religious education.

Schools will be able to use their findings to help structure their timetables.