Madam, – The concept of “free education” has been well established in Ireland. In support of this, teachers’ salaries are paid by the exchequer. What appears to be misunderstood by many is the fact that “fees”, as paid to private schools, pay for the accommodation and facilities that are provided privately and which otherwise would be a cost accruing to the State. The fact is that “fees” save the State the cost of the provision and upkeep of the private premises within which the State- funded teachers teach. If, as is suggested, funding of teachers in private schools is removed, the burden to the State would increase as no doubt many more students would engage in non-fee-paying schools, thus increasing the demand for accommodation paid for by the State. – Yours, etc,