Sir, - As a parent with two daughters attending secondary school, I welcome Mr Michael Martins' decision against publishing the exam results of individual schools. Such information would create an intense atmosphere of competition, which I think would be unhealthy.
Competition in the marketplace is good, as it raises standards of service. Competition in education, however, is likely to have a very corrosive effect, as many children are emotionally unable to deal with intense pressure.
One of my daughters came close to having a nervous breakdown before her Junior Cert last year. I had to take her out of school for a number of weeks and she was put on medication by our family doctor. She experienced pressure from me and from her school, as well as from her own personal desire to do well.
Naturally I want my children to do well at school but I have learned the hard way that this can best be achieved in a relaxed and supportive environment. This is unlikely to be achieved if schools are trying to outshine each other in exam results. - Yours, etc.,
Gerry Corcoran, Smith's Gardens, Kilkee, Co Clare.