All schools must introduce Stay Safe guidelines

IT’S always too easy to blame “them” for past scandals and avoid doing what’s necessary right now.

For instance, in 2006/’07 a Department of Education survey showed that 15% of primary schools (nearly 500) had not introduced the Stay Safe programme.

This very gentle programme, which lets kids know they have certain rights and gives them some means of seeking help if they are being bullied or abused, was vehemently opposed by right-wing Catholic fundamentalists.

It is now up to every parent and politician to insist on its implementation in every school in the land and if the Catholic Gestapo come hollering, give them short shrift with the words “Ryan report”.

Dick Keane

Glenageary

Co Dublin