An old topic still unsolved

My moral compass has been spinning lately, driven by anger and frustration. Due to many issues within Irish society rising like a Phoenix only to be flattened by the societies hunger for more bad news. One such issue which eats me to the bone is the State's funding for fee paying schools.

Its simple, why are we, the average tax payer contributing to schools were the majority can not afford to send our children? Our public schools both primary and secondary are in melt down. Classrooms are approaching 35 children and beyond in size, squeezed into some pre-fab sweat box. While many fee paying schools enjoy more room that a man in the Sahara! Seriously, is this equal opportunity?

Stop! You say, but not all public schools represent some run down TB hospital? True, but have a look around, maybe open your eyes. The MAJORITY are!!! Meanwhile our glorious government, still pumps money into FEE paying schools. Its not just Mr. Cowen and his bandits, every government too date, is guilty of this injustice.

I have contacted the Department of Education on numerous occasions in reference to this issue and I get the same two finger salute each time. By their own admission the money is given due to "prior arrangements"! B*****x! Surely arrangements are there to be changed!

If people can afford to send their children to these schools, they should be made pay for everything relating to the school, after all it is their choice to send them their. A choice not all of us have.

If we didn't have fee paying schools would it cost the government more, As these children would have to housed within the public system? This is an interesting question. If we look at the amount of money given per pupil of a FEE paying school, it is far more than what the average poor Joe Soap gets in our public system.

When I was in school we had 30+ in a classroom, but f**k that was 30 years ago, we're suppose to progressing!! Not going backwards. Wow wasn't the Celtic Tiger great!

My gripe is not the cost (OK it is in part), its about choice. Ireland still remains very divided. The average worker can not place their children in Fee paying schools, due to the cost.

So my solution? Stop giving these schools money. Use the money to create more public schools, teachers and places. Ensuring all children get the same education opportunities regardless of their parents or guardians income. Teachers are loosing their jobs. Nearly every school in some shape or form has been hit by the previous budget cuts. I know one particular school which is loosing 3 teachers! Now ask yourself, what Fee paying school has that issue!! Its time to stop the madness!