A chara, – As a retired Deis (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) school principal, I completely agree with the points made by Breda O'Brien ("A modest proposal to ease the back-to-school pain", Opinion & Analysis, August 17th). The underfunding of primary schools and in particular schools in disadvantaged areas is a growing problem and has become chronic in the past five years. Book-rental schemes and fundraising are options but the latter of these two proposals has very limited value.
Food poverty in school-going children is a contributor to the disadvantage that many schools are experiencing. The extension of the school meals scheme would alleviate this problem.
Children cannot give of their best in school on an empty stomach.
The funding for such an extension would be minimal and the payback would be phenomenal.– Is mise,
PAT BURKE WALSH,
Ballymoney,
Co Wexford.