Irish teacher: Why should the taxpayer be paying for private schools? 

We paid €120 million towards 51 private schools last year. Our money could be better spent

The state cannot control what goes on inside the homes of any two children, but the state can offer those two children as equal an educational provision as is possible. Picture: Larry Cummins

Private schools are in the news yet again: Irish taxpayers paid €120m towards 51 private schools last year. Our money could be better spent.

I know many disagree with me on private education. It’s always good to speak with people with whom you disagree, and this week I spoke to someone who thinks our education system is perfectly fair. In fact, she believes the state should continue its involvement in private education to maintain this fairness.