Labour Senator Aodhan O Riordain has called for the Citizens' Assembly to be reconvened in an attempt to resolve changes of patronage in schools.
The party's Education Spokesperson made the call after controversy arose over the potential change of patronage of a north Dublin school.
Tensions have erupted in a number of north Dublin Catholic primary schools after letters were sent around to parents saying Christmas, Easter, and St Patrick's Day celebrations would be no more they're selected to become non-denominational.
The latest school to be issued with a letter was St Sylvester’s in Malahide.
Senator O Riordain said the row highlights the need for a Citizens' Assembly on the issue.
He said: "The fact that such a process is being objected to by parents highlights the fact that we are not yet at a point to bring communities with us on secular education.
"We need to bring families and communities with us on this issue, which is why I believe it is time for a Citizens Assembly on Educational Patronage.
"I am calling on the Government to reconvene a Citizens' Assembly that would examine the ownership and control of our education system, and the influence of Articles 42 and 44 of Bunreacht na hÉireann."
The north Dublin Senator said the Assembly had been a huge success in recent years in tackling issues such as Marriage Equality and Repeal of the Eighth Amendment.
He continued: "Creating secular educations systems will require more than Department directives and even willing patrons; school communities and parents support will be needed also.
Howth residents seek to overturn planning for major apartment complex
"It’s time for a national conversation about how we achieve a modern, secular and equality-based education system for the Ireland of today, and what we hope to achieve for tomorrow.
“Ireland is different now compared to when our constitution was written when the role of religion in our education system was enshrined through Articles 42 and 44.
"Religion should not be the overarching principle that underpins our education system, nor should it be the way by which children are segregated at a young age."
