Sir, – John Boyle argues that it is beyond time for another “O’Malley Moment” (Letters, September 7th). This is true, particularly given the pedestrian string of appointments to the position as Minister for Education in recent years.
But we should not confine a search for radical templates of transformation to the achievements of just one outstanding minister. Niamh Bhreathnach delivered a comprehensive reshaping of educational possibilities through radical initiatives whose collective impact were felt at first, second and third level.
Breathnach abolished third-level fees, which has contributed to Ireland now having one of the highest rates of participation in third level in Europe. She initiated the Applied Leaving Certificate, which catalysed one of the highest second-level completion rates in Europe. She reframed the role of Regional Technical Colleges as Institutes of Technology and she introduced the Universities Act, the first piece of legislation for the university sector in the history of the State.
Her “Breaking the Cycle” initiative for children in disadvantaged areas proved an outstanding model of intervention to radically enhance student achievement at primary level. Her National Education Convention and subsequent White Paper provided a legislative and policy framework for Irish education for the first time.
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Current challenges call once more for a real vision in the mould of O’Malley and Breathnach, who both possessed the political acumen to deliver transformative change. – Yours, etc,
JAMES WRYNN,
Ranelagh,
Dublin 6.
