Sir, – The Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn’s decision to use an online survey of parents as the means to decide future patronage of schools should be a cause for concern (“Parent survey for school patronage”, Home News, October 23rd). Everyone knows that online surveys are open to abuse, even if Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers and other details are required.
Surely the views of at least all parents and the parents of children enrolled but not yet at school should be secured. The Minister must know that not all parents are computer-literate or have online access. The views of these parents are just as important but they are being unfairly discriminated against by holding only an online survey.
It is to be hoped for the future welfare of all children that the Minister secures the views of all the parents before changing the patronage of any school. One would also have thought that before such a momentous change the views of all interested parties, ie the teachers, board of management and current patron, would be sought. – Yours, etc,