Attacks on teachers are unfair and ill-founded

THE recent letter by Richard Prendergast (October 13) is unfair in its attack on professional Irish educators.

Teachers are one element of a broader system that encompasses a diverse number of individuals and organisations responsible for education provision. Perhaps the most important element in the system is the contribution of parents.

More significantly, the Irish constitution recognises the primacy of the family in the education of the child, while the State’s role is to provide the option of a basic level of education. I received an excellent education from the Irish State and taxpayer, despite the hardships of the ’80s and early ’90s, and met the standards for entry to top American and UK Universities later in my career.