Madam, - It is good to hear some straight criticism from Leinster House. Liz O'Donnell's speech on church-state relations and the need for reform deserves admiration. Society and the political establishment must share the blame with the Catholic Church for leaving the door open for abuse, especially in the control and management of schools.
Many things have changed for the better in our primary schools but the system of ownership - "privately owned and controlled", as Ms O'Donnell states - has scarcely changed since it was set up by the Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1831.
Ms O'Donnell has disturbed the dangerous complacency that has existed for so long and has given a voice to those who feel there is a better way ahead. All institutions must be open to criticism; it is not in the nature of any institution to reform in any other manner. - Yours, etc,
JOHN F. FALLON, Boyle, Co Roscommon.