Sir, – It is heartening to see media coverage of the problems caused both by the control of 90 per cent of national schools by the Catholic Church and national school admissions policies (“Education – time for fair admissions”, Editorial, August 26th) .
However, I feel it necessary to point out that these problems also exist at post-primary level. In many areas, not alone are there no post-primary schools other than Catholic schools available, but these schools frequently also have admissions policies that discriminate against children who are not Catholic. In Galway, for example, although there are five Educate Together primary schools, there is no Educate Together post-primary school. In addition, children who are not Catholic in Galway may find themselves legally discriminated against by Catholic post-primary schools that choose to give priority to children who are Catholic. Why do we tolerate this in a republic? While the divestment of schools at primary level has been slow and unsatisfactory, to date no equivalent process has even been initiated at post-primary level.
State-funded schools, whether primary or post-primary, should never be allowed to discriminate against children on the basis of religion. In addition, families who want their children to be educated in Educate Together or other equality-based schools, whether at primary or post-primary level, should be able to access such schools. – Yours, etc,
MARGUERITE HUGHES,
Rahoon, Galway.
Sir, – I have read of the Castlebar Educate Together School debacle with interest but without surprise (“Educate Together national school in Mayo fails to open amid row”, August 27th).
When, two years ago, the Department for Education undertook a huge patronage survey in Castlebar, it also conducted a similar exercise in the greater Killarney area. As part of the consultation, the department stated that there was no need for an additional school in the area and that one of the existing Catholic schools would have to be divested.
A few people argued that a new school could be established on VEC land for those not wanting a Catholic education. We were clearly told that the numbers did not warrant this, and yet in the meantime existing schools in the survey area have had permission to build many additional classrooms.
At the time of the survey the department made it clear to existing patrons that there were to be no public meetings on the question of reorganisation, and so it seems farcical to place blame on existing boards of management and patrons for an absence of democratic dialogue. Is it any wonder that the the department got it so wrong in Castlebar?
There is a real need for Government to consult with local people and to rethink the situation. As a parent I want to see the enhancement of Catholic education but not to the detriment of choice for families who expressed a desire for alternative provision. Surely it is time for the Department of Education to get real and engage in discussion with parents. – Yours, etc,
ALAN WHELAN,
Killarney, Co Kerry.