Sir, - I was dismayed to read T. O. Nolan's letter (December 12th), insinuating that media brainwashing has affected my memory. This personalised slur is a typical response from those who try to defend the indefensible Catholic Church-controlled "state" education.
For the record, I was born in July, 1967, entered primary school at age four in 1971, and went into the Christian Brothers' education system for five years in 1979, aged 12. I was beaten with the leather aged 12, as were many of my classmates in first-year Latin class. I am glad that Mr Nolan enjoyed his time at school. I just wish that every Irish child had a full choice between Churchrun and multi-denominational education. - Yours, etc.,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6.