Sir, – Norman Henry’s letter (May 14th) is at best selective in what he says and in his interpretation of Adrian Oughton’s remarks at Synod.
Trinity College authorities may indeed be willing to accept “the Protestant young people who wish to train as primary teachers”, however this would not be as part of any Church of Ireland College of Education (CICE) course. CICE has engaged with Trinity and the outcome of these negotiations can be summarised in part of the statement from the Provost of Trinity and Archbishop of Dublin who said, “Despite the best efforts of both sides, agreement was not reached”.
Mr Henry should also note that the motion passed by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland only has an impact on the synod board of education and not CICE, as the college exists independently of the Church of Ireland and General Synod and its governors are not answerable to synod or the board of education or any review it will carry out.
There has been substantial work done by CICE in negotiating the next phase in the life of the college. In outlining this work to Synod it is clear that these negotiations have not been easy or taken lightly, and the current direction is being taken to preserve the ethos of CICE and provide for those Protestant young people who wish to train as primary teachers within the ethos of CICE. It would, I feel, be best for those who oppose the changes to place a little more trust in the authorities of CICE. – Yours, etc,
IAN BERRY,
The Rectory,
Monaghan, Co Monaghan.