A chara, - Ireland has dropped further down the league of European states in its provision of resource and facilities for schools and pupils - from seventh to 15th place of 27 European countries.
A drop of a full percentage point of GNP (6.1 per cent to 5.1 per cent, as reported in the recent OECD report) spent on education over the five years from 1995 to 2001 is a disgrace.
When one contemplates the number of pupils being educated, and the number of teachers working, in cramped, outdated, totally inadequate classrooms - not to mention the lack of school halls and adequate playing space - one wonders where our collective political will is directed in this wealthy state.
The situation in Kilmacrennan National School in Co Donegal, where parents have withdrawn the pupils because of a shortage of both teachers and basic facilities, speaks volumes. The Minister of Education, to his credit, announced on December 17th last an ambitious, five-year programme of school construction and refurbishment. Much work is now being undertaken. We await details of the second phase, beginning in 2005. In addition, the Minister must grasp the nettle of purchasing sites for schools - an issue hindering development in up to 200 primary schools.
One final thought: if this Government wishes to show its true face of concern for the weaker sections of our society and to highlight its social agenda, what better way than to provide basic educational needs - i.e. primary school buildings and facilities, - without further delay? - Is mise,
RICHIE COTTER, Chairman, Tuismitheoirí/Teagascoirí Le Cheile, c/o St Anne's National School, Shankill, Co Dublin.