Sir, - The letter from Prof Harry Ferguson's (October 4th) should be a matter of concern to all parents. I have seen the information module of "Exploring Masculinities" and as a parent it raised some serious concerns for me. Some months ago I requested the full text of this programme from the department of Education and, like Mary T. Cleary of Amen, I too am still waiting for a copy.
As a parent, the personal development of all my children, boys and girls is my responsibility. As a devoted father, the development of my son's masculinity is also my responsibility. From the text that I have read, this programme has the potential to undermine the effectiveness of parents, with detrimental consequences for the family unit and a resultant increase in social and psychological problems. As a parent, I welcome any practical support from any quarter; however, one should not confuse support with interference. Prof Ferguson and the Department of Education would do well to remember this point. - Yours, etc.,
Alan McGivergan, Fairways, Donabate, Co Dublin.