NIAMH DOOLAN,
Madam, - There is an overlooked aspect to your article "School lists give power to parents" (Education & Parenting, November 5th). Writing from an independent college, I wish to give another perspective on an issue that is affecting people from all walks of life - the cost of education.
Mr Dempsey says he is "exasperated by the manner with which the college system has, for a generation and more, effectively locked out thousands of poorer and disadvantaged students". However, the Minister's exasperation cannot even come close to that of parents whose sole aim is to provide a decent education to their children.
This frustration is felt not only by those who cannot afford to send their children to the affluent feepaying schools mentioned in your article, but also by those who, through geography or religious beliefs, are not in a position to avail of the many excellent public schools in the country.
If Mr Dempsey really believes that, "the State is guilty of a fundamental social injustice", why does he not go one step further to rectify this injustice and allow the hundreds of students studying in independent colleges access to the much-needed financial aid which would give a lifeline to many who depend on part-time jobs and student loans to complete their third-level education?
At Griffith College over 50 per cent of our first-year intake come from non-fee paying schools. These students are willing to endure financial hardship to ensure they receive a stepping-stone to their desired career.
If the State has failed to provide education on a fair and equitable basis to its citizens, why not take this small first step and include all of its citizens in this wider access to financial support, not just the "well-heeled" and "affluent". - Yours, etc.,
NIAMH DOOLAN, Admissions Officer, Griffith College, South Circular Road, Dublin 8.