A chara, – The Rev Rupert Moreton (September 1st) seems irritated that I reminded people that there is little demand for non-denominational education. As what I said is based on surveys carried out by the Department of Education itself – fact rather than opinion, in other words – I suggest he take up the issue with the department. I am merely the messenger on that one.
As to his attempt to explain away the facts by suggesting that any lack of demand “is likely to be a reflection of many parents’ sense of powerlessness”, I am afraid it does not really hold water. There are no studies to substantiate the claim; and the idea that parents are so weak and helpless that they would fail to tell the department when asked what kind of education they wanted for their children and thought best for them goes against everything I know of parents.
Finally – for which I must gently chide him for playing the ball rather than the man – he says that I am defending my own minority group, the Church of Ireland, while wanting “no special position to be afforded to another group – secularists”. I have never argued the case for special treatment for my church or of any group in this debate.
I have, on the other hand, made it abundantly clear that I encourage those desirous of secular schools to establish them on the same basis as every other grouping, majority or minority. That is the position I hold to and argue for – one that is in accord with the expressed wishes of the vast majority of parents and the one, in my opinion, best placed to defend the needs and rights of all those with “skin in the game”. And if there are those who find that irritating – well, I am afraid I shall just have to live with it! – Is mise,
Rev PATRICK G BURKE,
Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny.