The Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says she has asked her officials to "modernise" the primary school rulebook.

It follows reports that Ms O'Sullivan would abolish or dilute the 50 year old 'rule 68' - which sets out religion as the "most important" part of the curriculum.

Rule 69 says teachers should preferably consult with fathers instead of mothers.

And rule 70 says that laundry would be a suitable subject for girls.

A screenshot of some of the rules

Two years ago a report recommended abolishing rules like these.

Ms O'Sullivan says there are many "archaic" provisions in the rulebook, which the school system has long since moved on from.

She says her department will bring the provisions up to date, and that the rules do not reflect modern teaching.

 Read the rules in full here