Sir, - The inconsistencies of logic in Richard Bruton's article on the publication of exam results (Opinion, November 3rd) are alarming and would seem to indicate that he has given little real thought to the subject.
He says that publication of results will show that disadvantaged schools are poorly resourced. It will not. It will simply show that students in these schools tend to get worse results than students in richer schools. He says that publication will show how unsuccessful Micheal Martin's attempts to target disadvantage have been. This is impossible without data on exam performance prior to Mr Martin's initiatives.
Mr Bruton also wants more information on literacy problems. A commendable aim, but not one likely to be achieved by publication of exam results since most people with literacy problems do not sit State exams.
Giving information about exam results in isolation, without information about socio-economic context or other important factors such as ethos, pastoral care and extra-curricular activities, is unfair, and it is particularly unfair to students, staff and parents in disadvantaged schools.
Micheal Martin is, in my opinion, taking a principled stance in the face of widespread criticism, and is to be commended. - Yours, etc.,
Frances Shearer, Greenhill Road, Wicklow.