Madam, - Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe is quoted as saying: "If I was to withdraw State funding from fee-paying schools that would have a catastrophic effect. The issue is not under examination" (Education Today, September 16th).
Would the Minister care to tell us if the matter has been examined and rejected and, if so, what were the reasons for its rejection? If it hasn't been examined, how does he know a withdrawal of State funding would have a catastrophic effect? - Yours, etc,
LOUIS O'FLAHERTY, Lorcan Drive, Santry, Dublin 9.
Madam, - The Minister for Education says that to withdraw State funding from private schools "would have a catastrophic effect." It's amazing that not even a 3 per cent funding cut is possible for private schools, yet a 3 per cent cut to the School Completion Programme (which is aimed at the most disadvantaged children) is no problem at all. Maybe he should ask himself his own question: "Why would we the taxpayer be funding the children of people who could well afford to pay [for their exclusive schools] themselves?"
It's also worth bearing in mind that at least the universities are open to all, whereas private schools are only open to those who can afford them.
Get your priorities sorted out, Minister: provide funding for all publicly available schools at first, second and third levels. Cut out funds for elitist schools. - Yours, etc,
PADRAIC KAVANAGH, Derrypatrick, Drumree, Co Meath.