Sir, – Rob Sadlier (Letters, April 16th) offered an impassioned critique of Catholic influence in our education system. I was struck by how his characterisation differs from my own experience of the Catholic national school in my town.
Hell is not on the curriculum. Genocide is not justified. My son – one of many in his class who come from a non-Catholic family – is taught in religion class about the importance of sharing, caring for the environment and his own self-worth. He is warmly welcomed into an institution that embodies a different ethos from the one his family offers him.
Rather than framing this as exclusionary, we see it as an excellent formation in being comfortable with difference; a brilliant preparation for living well in a diverse world.
The Government survey on parental attitude to ethos demonstrates that a majority of families broadly see things this way – divestment might be needed in theory but on the ground our school works really well. – Yours, etc,
RM Block
CLAIRE HARDAGEN,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – Can I suggest a solution to the debate on teaching religion and Irish in schools?
We should continue to teach religion but only through Irish. This would ensure that both Irish and religion proponents can claim victory and, if my experience is anything to go on, the students will emerge with no understanding of, or interest in either after 14 frustrating years.
A classic Irish solution to an Irish problem. – Yours, etc,
FRANK NEENAN,
Tullow Road.
Carlow.
