As a country, we need to set our standards higher

IN relation to the reopening of schools despite the swine flu virus, I was shocked to hear a presenter on the 6 O’Clock News (19/8/09) announce to the nation that some schools have poor hygiene standards.

As owner of a dog boarding kennels I keep both the dog kennels and the toilet facilities for customers spotlessly clean. Whilst my standards may be regarded by some as exceptional here in Ireland, in other European countries such a high standard is merely the norm.

Is there not something fundamentally wrong when people are forced to accept poorer conditions for their children than others would for their dogs? As a child, more than 45 years ago, I went to a school in Germany, where my father was educated before me. It was purpose-built with all necessary facilities and it was spotless. All other schools I went to consequently were of an even higher standard. To have and to expect high standards is something we learn throughout life.