Madam, - It was with a growing sense of incredulity and disquiet that I read the extensive coverage given to the opinions of Mr John Mac Gabhann of the TUI and Dr Mark Morgan, head of education at St Patrick's College of Education, on the gender gap in boys' and girls' performance in the Leaving Certificate (The Irish Times, August 20th). Its tenor was that, as girls were doing better than boys in the examination, the format should be changed to ensure that the "natural order" was re-established. Consistent study habits and a familiarity with past exam papers were portrayed as discreditable. There was no word of commendation for the girls' achievements.
Such experts' views inadvertently confirmed that male bias is still a reality in Ireland.
Could it be that boys' under-performance at school reflects the recognition that the rules will be adjusted to ensure their success? - Yours, etc.,
Prof PAT O'CONNOR, Dean, University of Limerick.