Sir, – I write in support of Pádraig McCarthy (Letters, April 1st) that the government is passing the buck on school patronage.
Two years ago the Department of Education undertook a massive patronage survey 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, like myself, argued that a new school should be established for those not wanting a Catholic education. We were clearly told that the numbers did not warrant an additional school yet in the meantime existing schools 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 for secularists and others to place blame on existing boards of management and patrons for an absence of democratic dialogue.
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. Yours, etc, ALAN WHELAN, Beaufort, Co Kerry