Catholics are taxpayers too

Dear Editor, I am always bemused by the fact that the chattering classes constantly trot out the idea that the State should not fund teachers’ salaries, capitation grants and other supports in denominational schools because taxpayers’ money is involved! It is conveniently forgotten that the majority of the population belong to these denominations, including the Catholic Church. We all pay our taxes, in one way or another and are therefore entitled to whatever benefits are available from the State.

It is surely not unreasonable to prioritise their own members in their admissions policy when there is pressure for places. One of the problems in overcrowded schools is the pupil-teacher ratio rather than policy or patronage.

Yours etc.,

Murt McInerney,

Doonbeg, Co. Clare.