NASA GIBSON,
Madam, - Mary Quinlan's letter of October 28th would be hilarious in its naïvety if the issue wasn't so serious. To say that "these programmes" should be given to parents, and that the Government should "trust us [parents\] to protect them \" is almost incomprehensible.
The reason such programmes are given in schools is to teach that which some parents see fit not to let their children know. A prime example is the now defunct "Exploring Masculinities", which had parents' groups (largely Catholic Church based, interestingly enough) screaming hysterically about the Government's "promotion of homosexuality".
Another fact which Ms Quinlan seems to forget is that according to the official numbers which we are given, the majority of child-abuse cases take place in the home, and involve one or both parents. Do we expect these parents to teach these parents that what they are doing is wrong?
This is a chance for the Government to get something right, so why not let them do so? These programmes are not perfect, but they are a step in the right direction, and through time and experience surely we will know how to improve them. Let there be free speech on this matter, but please let it also be intelligent and informed. - Is mise,
NASA GIBSON, Blackberry Lane, Newbridge, Co Kildare.