A chara, - Fr Farrell's recent unilateral decision not to pay the full amount of the local contribution of the capitation for primary schools in his parish of Trim has serious implications, not least for board of management members. While the vast majority, including this writer, support his call for the abolition of local contributions, the manner in which Fr Farrell went about this campaign is regrettable. At a time when partnership and dialogue are favoured as means of resolving difficulties, it is a pity that Fr Farrell did not do the boards of management, the teachers and the parents' association of the various schools the courtesy of informing them of his intentions.
In not honouring the long-established tradition and nationally recognised local contribution commitment, this action has jeopardised the State's contribution towards the running costs of the schools in the parish. Boards of management are precluded by their constitution and rules from levying parents for the local contribution to the school. Thus it is impossible for boards to meet the requirements of the Department of Education and Science to have the local contribution lodged in the bank before the DES lodges its contribution of over £60 per pupil.
The local community, the parents, and the business community of Trim have supported the schools very generously over the years, ensuring that the strain on parish funds has been released for many of the very important and worthy works that have taken place in the parish over the years. One school has raised nearly £100,000 over the past 10 years to enhance the environment for the children and provide necessary resources for them.
I hope that this matter can be resolved through dialogue, consensus and in a true spirit of partnership before the schools return in September. I hope that there will be no polarisation of the school-going community in the town due to their origins or their religious practices. Partnership involves all the partners and each should be consulted when fundamental and long-established practices and agreements need to be changed. - Yours, etc., Sean O Diomasaigh,
Principal and Member of a Board of Management, Kiltale, Dunsany, Co Meath.