Madam, – Barry Walsh (April 17th) significantly neglects to inform readers that remarks made to former minister for education Mary Hanafin at INTO congress 2007 were conditional on her as minister taking on board specific issues of concern to primary teachers that were raised directly with her. These included class size reductions, increased funding, provision for early childhood education, investment in computers and support for principal teachers.
Mr Walsh inaccurately states that the INTO gave backing to FF policies.
The union did no such thing, but as always outlined its own education policies. We welcomed whatever support was given by parties for those policies but equally, criticised policies which would worsen the provision of education in primary schools.
He also incorrectly writes that I heaped praise on Fianna Fáil education policies. I acknowledged progress where it was due, particularly regarding special education, but equally, criticised minimal progress in other areas, especially in the historic underfunding of primary schools. However, particularly at election time, those with political affiliations and allegiances often misinterpret credit given for endorsement.
Mr Walsh also fails to mention the frosty reception accorded to Ms Hanafin when she addressed last year’s INTO congress. She was left in no doubt as to how primary teachers felt about broken Fianna Fáil promises on education.
Contrary to what he suggests, Batt O’Keeffe’s reception this year was not a departure for the INTO. – Yours, etc,