Sir, – Perhaps the demand parents show in non-denominational schools is shaped by the type of schools that may be supplied. The divestment programme has produced two schools, one hobbled by restrictions as to use in Dublin and one in Mayo left abandoned for 20 years and unable to open for the start of term. If parental choice and diversity were actually catered for, and the Catholic Church divested schools in good faith, then demand could be adequately assessed . The status quo might be the preferred option because those schools will reliably open. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN DINEEN
Clontarf, Dublin 3.
Sir, – Ever since Ruairí Quinn, as minister for education, embarked on his ill-fated scheme for the divestment of some schools from religious patronage, it has been made abundantly clear that establishing schools is a daunting if not impossible task, even for the most dedicated.
In the meantime, the Government holds the responsibility of ensuring that all children get an education, without the requirement that they should be subjected to religious indoctrination in order that this can happen.
Minorities have rights, and in the provision of basic education services in this country, these rights are not being respected. – Yours, etc,
SEAMUS McKENNA,
Windy Arbour,
Dublin 14.