Schools and polling stations

Sir, – We have a referendum in March, European and local elections in June and a general election some time in the next 12 months. Polling days will be held during the typical working week and will result in school closures as many are used as polling stations.

This practice is outdated and causes disruption to countless families who have to make alternative arrangements while their children miss school. Many parents will have to take time off work because of these closures.

Could the Government not use church halls, community halls and hotel function rooms instead of schools? There are better alternatives available. – Yours, etc,

SIOBHÁN McDERMOTT,