A chara, – Dr Sabina Brennan writes, "Running state schools on a secular basis vindicates the rights of all parents to freedom of conscience, religion and beliefs" (August 8th). This argument is plausible only if one accepts the premise that secularism is some sort of value-neutral philosophy. This, of course, is not the case. Philosophical systems exist to expound particular world views and secularism is no different.
So what Dr Brennan is suggesting is not a system where the beliefs of all are equally respected, but rather one where those of a tiny minority are given pre-eminence over those of the vast majority. And this is simply not going to happen as parents, under Article 42.1 of our Constitution, have the right to a denominational education for their children. It would require a constitutional amendment to change this, and the likelihood of parents voting to relinquish their rights are remote in the extreme.
I would suggest, therefore, that the time has come to abandon the futile chest-thumping over this issue and deal with the problem in a realistic fashion. Those who wish a secular education for their children are entitled to it, but the way to provide it is not to deny all other parents the right to make their own choices. Instead, what those who are passionate about secular education should do is what other groups have done and take advantage of the remarkably flexible system we have in place in this country and establish secular schools. This, and only this, would allow the rights of all to be vindicated. – Is mise,
Rev PATRICK G BURKE,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.