Sir, – As one of two working parents with two children in primary school, we are faced yet again with another school closure to cater for voting in the local and European elections on May 23rd, a Friday.
The result of this is that one of us will need to take annual leave, or pay for additional childcare or work from home to cover the school closure. I am sure there are many other parents similarly affected. Why cannot alternative venues be found for elections if they cannot be held at the weekend? Are there not sufficient empty buildings around the country or community halls available for such purpose? My heart sinks every time a referendum or byelection is called as it means yet again the schools are closed. Will nobody think of the parents? – Yours, etc,
MARK BYRNE,
Prospect Manor,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.