Sir, - So, Mr Desmond Kelly, president of the National Parents' Council (June 11th), feels "teachers have no right to take away from our children even one minute of precious teaching time". Leaving aside the argument on the right to strike, this is an admirable sentiment but does it also apply to the members of his own organisation? Does this mean that in future all children will be on time for school, that all dental appointments, trips to town for Christmas, Confirmation, Easter and First Communion clothes and all "special" outings will happen outside of school hours? Does it mean that no parent will take his/her child out of school in May/June because of cheaper holiday rates? For too long, in my opinion, has the National Parents' Council felt that partnership and communication means telling teachers that they "must work harder". Perhaps it's time to look at their own report cards now. - Yours, etc.,
Angela Power, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.