Sir,– Seamus McKenna claims that education is a "function" of the State (Letters, April 22nd). I disagree. Education is a function of the parents.The State's role is to assist the parents in this function, not to take it away from them.
A patronage system is one that best assists parents in carrying out that function, by allowing parents to decide what type of educational model best suits their children, and affording them the opportunity to send their children to schools which will best serve those needs.
The State should strive to serve the people, not impose on them. A “one size fits all” model of education is the opposite of democratic. – Yours, etc,
MARIA
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MHIC MHEANMAIN,
Enfield,
Co Meath.