LOUIS O'FLAHERTY,
Sir, - Parents who send their children to fee-paying schools do not pay the full price for the privilege. They benefit from the fact that the quota of subject teachers paid for by the State in these schools is at exactly the same level as that for in no-fee schools in the most deprived areas. The extra money goes to pay for more teachers, greater subject choice, better facilities and payments to those who provide extra-curricular activities.
Fee-paying schools in Ireland are a very good deal for the upwardly mobile and come at less than half the price than those in our neighbouring island. It would be naïve to imagine that the denizens of the "manicured lawns" of south Dublin would not recognise a bargain when it is presented to them on a plate. - Yours, etc.,
LOUIS O'FLAHERTY,
Lorcan Drive,
Dublin 9.