Sir, - As President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), which comprises over 150,000 students throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland, I am compelled to respond to John Connolly's article "Minister applauded for review of points system" (July 24th).
Since the points system was designed for the allocation of college places it has had the most impact on students. For the past two decades this unfair and inadequate system has decided whether or not students go to college or, indeed, what college course the student enters.
In his article on this new review group, Mr Connolly records the views of the Teachers Union of Ireland, Fine Gael's acting education spokesman, Jim Higgins, the National Parents Council and the National Youth Council of Ireland, before he mentions those most affected by the points system: students.
The points system has affected the personal development of many students. Some students have, unfortunately, been judged solely by the number of points achieved in their Leaving Certificates. Mr Connolly's article all but totally ignored students.
USI believes that this is typical of certain elements of Irish society which view students as products of the educational system rather than as the most important and integral part of it. Students' views on the points system should have been reflected in this article.
Concerning the make-up of the review group, Mr Connolly said: "Young people are also likely to be represented." As the sole representative body of students at national level in the Republic, USI will not be asking for a seat on the review group - we will demand it.
A government's commitment to education is the clearest sign of its commitment to young people and future generations. USI hopes that the present Government will show this commitment through a total restructuring of the points system and, in light of the Dearing Report, through a concrete commitment to protecting Irish students studying in Britain. - Yours, etc., Coleman Byrne, President,
USI,
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2.