Class distinction in the school system

IN relation to the recent controversy about relating to Protestant schools I have a different perspective on this sensitive subject.

For more than 25 years in the course of my job and also various voluntary activities that I was involved in, I visited many schools in all sectors of the educational system.

Reviewing that time now, what has struck me most forcefully is the huge difference in overall quality of physical structure and amenities/services provided between private schools (both Catholic and minority religions) and non-fee-paying secondary schools.

I think if students from private colleges were forced to attend some of the non-fee-paying schools I visited, they would have a greater appreciation of the sacrifices their parents make for them.

I would also think that if students from non-fee-paying schools were to attend private schools they would know for definite that they were second-class citizens in the eyes of the state.

So if the education minister has any money to spare in these hard times, he should try to bring state sector schools up to par with the private sector.

Jim Jackman

Park Drive Court

Castleknock

Dublin 15