Sir, – The election is now upon us. One of the most disappointing failures of this outgoing Government and its predecessors has been the glacial progress of the school divestment process. Aimed at providing balance and choice in our primary school system and vindicating the rights of children and families, the minimal target of 400 equality-based schools is as far away as ever.
I hope whatever government emerges from this election will actually invest real resources in this issue.
Communities that wish to avail of equality-based schools like those run by Educate Together or the Government’s Community National Schools should be empowered to establish them once they demonstrate viability of a local demand.
Such families should not be forced to await the outcome of contentious and sometimes acrimonious votes of existing Catholic school communities.
At the same time, the new government must act decisively to ensure the human rights of all children in schools.
Restoring the original protection for religious minorities in the national school system, which required all sacramental preparations classes take place outside the compulsory school day, would be an important first step. – Yours, etc,
PAUL ROWE,
Dublin 15.