Madam, – Mary Coughlan’s claim that teachers lack the “requisite skills” to boost literacy and numeracy standards (Breaking News, February 17th) is simply wrong. Teachers lack the “requisite resources” because her government failed to reduce class sizes and fund schools adequately. Ms Coughlan was invited to debate such issues with other education spokespersons at an INTO conference recently, but did not attend. Her absence coupled with her subsequent comments will not make any teacher’s heart grow fond. – Yours, etc,