Teachers should not decide education policy

One of the teachers union’s original objections to the changes in the Junior Cycle was that the Certificate would be a school certificate instead of a state certificate.

Now that the minister has given way on this, the unions object because it is to be a state certificate. While teachers and teacher unions’ views are welcome and valuable, it is for the Department of Education, along with parents, to decide the content and delivery of our children’s education.

The union’s area of responsibility is, and should be confined to, the pay and conditions of their members.

Their strike action today, which will affect students in all classes, is unjustified.

Kevin T Finn

Kingston Close

Mitchelstown

Co Cork