Around 90% of trainee primary teachers say they’re Roman Catholics, compared to just 78% of the general population.
The study by NUI Galway found that although Catholics are over represented in the profession, they were in favour of teaching children about all faiths.
It surveyed applicants and trainees to primary teaching courses across the country.
It found that while 90% are Catholic, one third say they rarely or never attend mass or practice religion.
Just over half considered themselves religious, a quarter said they weren’t religious, while 1.4% said they were convinced atheists.
Researchers say that the prospect of entering a course and profession dominated by one religion may deter people from choosing a career in teaching.
However they did note that despite the high number of Catholics, there was very little support for purely Catholic religious instruction, with all respondents in favour of teaching children about all faiths.
Researchers say that it indicates teachers are complying with teaching religion rather than expressly endorsing or rejecting it.
