Madam, - Your Editorial of May 26th on college fees is almost as disappointing as the isolation of Mr Dempsey, Minister for Education, in his effort to level the playing field regarding entry to university. Mr Dempsey was "not in a position to deliver" because of the cowardice of his colleagues and the well-known support of Ms Harney for the rich. On the one hand she argues that education should be funded through taxation - and on the other she insists that those in the higher tax bracket pay less.
There was nothing wrong with Mr Dempsey's "solo run". The pity was that he did not get the backing he deserved. Why should the richest people in Ireland not pay for the education of their children, who end up subsidised by PAYE workers, who subsequently pay through the nose again for their services - doctors, chemists, etc?
I am surprised as well as disappointed that The Irish Times dismissed the defeat of Mr Dempsey's proposal in such a manner. - Yours, etc.,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.
Madam, - I write as a founder member of the Women's Political Association and a lifelong advocate of teaching civics.
Noel Dempsey has done us all a favour by raising the level of debate and awareness of the consequences of Government decisions on citizens, young and old. - Yours, etc.,
TERRY McNULTY, Rose Hill, Wicklow Town.
Madam, - I suppose any future discourse on the vexed question of university fees would be purely academic. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL DELANEY, Beacon Hill, Dalkey, Co Dublin.