SCHOOL FUNDS

Sir, - The Minister for Social Welfare states (Irish Times, December 9th) that state funding for fee-paying post-primary schools…

Sir, - The Minister for Social Welfare states (Irish Times, December 9th) that state funding for fee-paying post-primary schools should be diverted to education for the less well-off. He is quoted as saying that "they continue to receive substantial levels of funding".

What state funding? The only state funding for fee-paying post-primary schools is the salary payable to the secondary teachers. Does he wish these salaries to be withdrawn from the 1,200 or so teachers involved? Furthermore, how does he propose to deal with the free-paying secondary schools conducted by the minority religions? They all, necessarily, charge fees. - Yours etc.

Templeville Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W.