Sir, – There is a strongly rooted misconception that taxpayers are unfairly subsidising students in fee-charging schools. A label of “special treatment” has been applied when referring to Julie Carr’s recent article (Opinion, August 16th).
All Irish children have the right to State support, according to our Constitution. Most secondary schools, public and fee-charging, in Ireland receive money for teachers’ salaries. Non-fee-charging schools additionally receive monies for buildings, maintenance, sports facilities, and other resources. By contrast fee-charging schools pay for similar facilities with tuition fees. All taxpayers contribute to the education budget. Virtually all schools have come to rely on supplementary voluntary contributions. There is, therefore, no difference in principle, only in the degree of reliance upon topping up of education.
Thus Irish education may be viewed as a viable example of public/private enterprise that works well. Government strategies to undermine fee-paying education need to be reconsidered. On what level is this special treatment? – Yours, etc,
GAYLE BAIRD,
Taney Avenue,
Goatstown, Dublin 14.