Fee-charging schools and State support

Children who attend “free” schools are not at an educational disadvantage

A chara, – The question of the State subsidising fee-paying schools raises its head on a regular basis ( “Should the State continue to provide €112 million a year to private schools?” Analysis, Education, August 21st; Letters, August 23rd).

One frequent argument in defence of fee-paying schools is that parents who “value” education for their children often make sacrifices to send their children to private schools.

Maybe they do, but the implication is that those who choose “free education” for their children do not place the same value on education.

I would argue that this is not so.

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We are very lucky in Ireland to have an excellent and equitable school system.

Children who attend “free” schools are not at an educational disadvantage and it is unfair to imply that their parents do not prioritise education. – Is mise,

HONOR MHIC GIOLLA CHLAOIN,

Cluain Tarbh,

Baile Átha Cliath 3.