Sir, I cannot say I was sorry to hear Niamh Bhreathnach lost her seat in the Dail. I will not shed any tears at her demise as Minister for Education. My reaction is not political in any way. Rather it is for social reasons, the lack of a remedial teacher in our primary schools.
I have written lo her many limes about this matter. She replied personally on a few occasions explaining why it was not possible to have special help for our children here in Drumkeerin. Most times her officials responded in Civil Service platitudes reminding us our day would come when we had sufficient numbers to warrant a remedial teacher.
Our day will come when it is far too late as over 12 per cent of our primary school children are in need of remedial help in one form or another. You can understand our disappointment, even annoyance, at the failure to cherish the children of the nation equally.
What makes my reaction so strong is the fact that Ms Breathnach is a remedial teacher. When assuming office she put the question of remedial teaching high on her agenda, raising our hopes here in Drumkeerin. Obviously it lost its lofty perch to more politically gainful decisions - such as free education for all third level students irrespective of family financial situations. Hardly the decision of a socialist.
As she is clearing her desk will she kindly leave a note for her successor, whom I hope will be a mere parent with a kind and perceptive disposition. The note is simple: Drumkeerin, Co Leitrim, has needed a remedial teacher since 1991. - Yours, etc.,
Chairman,
Board of Management, Drumkeerin National Schools, Co Leitrim.