Sir, - As a parent of children attending the Ennis Educate Together National School, I reject two assertions by Garret FitzGerald (Opinion, June 10th): that multi-denonimational schools are "for families who wish their children to be. . .brought up in a Christian, but not denominational atmosphere"; and that some of these schools "may be unhappy at being expected to cater for children of non-religious parents".
I'm happy to point out that Dr FitzGerald is wrong in his beliefs in both respects, as Educate Together multi-denominational schools are designed to cater, not only for children of all the various flavours of Christianity, but all other religions too - and, most importantly, to cater equally for those of no religion.
I cannot be certain from the article, but Dr FitzGerald does seem to be labouring under the misapprehension that all primary schools have a clerical patron from one or other of the main Christian churches in this country. In case this is so, I would like to further enlighten him that the patron bodies of Educate Together schools are almost entirely made up of the parents themselves. This does not, however, actually exclude the clergy in any way; in fact, any interested persons may become members and actively involve themselves in the school, though I am not aware that any clerics actually have.
Currently we have over 80 children enrolled in the school, consisting of 19 different nationalities, with the consequent mix of believers and non-believers. The fun of the Muslim festival of Eid, for example, is celebrated every bit as much as the children's perception of Christmas or Easter.
Dr FitzGerald is welcome to drop by at any time to see how the "question of non-denominational schools" has already been answered by the Educate Together movement. - Yours, etc.,
Gerry Doyle, Gortaficka, Crusheen, Co Clare.