Sir, - Shame on David McKenna's parents for putting the rather dubious "rights" of their child so far ahead of the considerations of every other child in his school; but shame, shame on the Board of Management of Colβiste Rβith∅n and the Co Wicklow VEC. They have betrayed both their principal and the parents and children who still subscribe to the seemingly quaint notion that school should be at least as safe as home.
If David McKenna was so interested in remaining in Colβiste Rβith∅n, he should have had a little bit more respect for the rules of the school, the authority of the teachers accompanying his class on their trip, and the safety of his fellow pupils. He should have borne in mind the fact that supplying drugs to others is still a criminal offence in this country, regardless of whether your customers "pool" their money with yours in advance or pay cash on delivery.
Had an accident occurred on the Aran Islands while he and his friends were under the influence of cannabis, the teachers would, quite rightly, have been held responsible and would have had to face the consequences. Instead, the principal, Mr ╙ Ciarβin, is now facing massive legal bills because he tried to ensure that pupils in his school would learn respect for each other and the society in which they live. - Yours, etc.,
Noreen King, Cleggan, Clifden, Co Galway.