I have been watching with interest the shifting arrangements for children in our schools at both primary and secondary level. From what I have seen almost the entire media attention has focused on children preparing to take entrance tests to enable them to enter the privileged grammar sector.
My understanding is that preparations for 11-plus tests are not part of the national curriculum and not part of the responsibility of primary school teachers. There has been much attention focused on cries to persuade the education minister to close schools and this is entirely understandable. The one thing that appears to have received very little attention is that of the impact of school closure on young people from socially deprived families as well as young people who with special needs and who are statemented. The statemented young people receive particular help through classroom assistants while at school which will obviously not be available while schools are closed. I am sure our schools are doing their best to continue to support these children but with the best will in the world I would expect these children to suffer a particular disadvantage during the school closures. Could statemented children not be regarded in the same way as the children of essential workers and allowed to continue to attend school?
I am not aware of any of our mainstream politicians highlighting or showing any concern for this issue. It seems to me that the needs of our already disadvantaged young people come a very second best to those of young people aiming to enter the elite sector of education.
A further but connected issue relates to what I believe are considerable delays by the Education Authority in carrying out assessments of children who may have special needs.
I know this delay is causing great distress to many parents. Aontú has appointed a number of local area representatives who can be contacted through the Aontú website and who will be willing to provide whatever help they can to parents affected by above issues.
EAMON DALLETT
Aontú, Dungiven, Co Derry
United Nations’ survey is another good reason for a united Ireland
The Republic of Ireland has the second highest quality of life in the world according to a survey carried out by the United Nations Human Development index for 2020. Out of 189 countries Norway topped the first poll, the Republic was number two and Switzerland at number three. The United Kingdom came in at number 13. The survey covered health, education, standard of living, life expectancy and per capita income. The Republic has done remarkably well, no doubt about it. If a similar survey were to be carried out in the United Kingdom, guess where Northern Ireland would stand on the scale of things – you got it, minus zero. The UN survey is another good reason for a united Ireland, yet unionists would still not want to be a part of it. They are more than happy to remain the poor relation of the United Kingdom. Arguments in favour of a united Ireland are far ranging. Take the coronavirus pandemic for instance. If the north had agreed to an all-Ireland strategy with the Republic to fight the pandemic a lot more people would still be alive in the north now. But no, cooperation with the Republic regarding anything is strictly a no-no for unionism. Logic, it is fair to say is superseded by stupidity in their mindset. The refusal by unionists to engage in the debate for constitutional change in Ireland does not mean that the debate should cease. Far from it.
There is sure to be a border poll in the next five years or so and arguments for and against a united Ireland simply have to be debated before a poll takes place, so that the people will know what exactly they will be voting for. The debate is already underway now but will need to intensify with the Republic taking a leading role in it.
SEAN MASKEY
Belfast BT15
Sinn Féin slaves to British rule
The platform piece from Emma Sheerin on a Bill of Rights for the occupied six counties of Ireland, illustrates how Sinn Féin have become slaves of the British government.
Yes, of course, within the European Convention on Human Rights there is some protection which will become more diluted in the aftermath of Brexit. We can expect this given how Europe has found the British government guilty of breaching human rights in the past.
However, the revelation by Sinn Féin that any bill must be faithful to the 1998 agreement, demonstrates how they have moved from the republican position to accept the violation of Irish citizens rights within that agreement.
It beggars belief that Sinn Féin now ask for a consultation on Human Rights within limited parameters and deny the Irish people their fundamental sovereign rights.
FRANCIS MACKEY
Omagh, Co Tyrone
Nothing comical about rape
The so-called satire or comedy broadcast by RTÉ during the Christmas period was offensive and designed to provoke and hurt. There is nothing comical about rape. A big problem is the nature of the organisation. RTÉ are the national broadcasters and by law we have to pay to keep these people in employment. If it were a private newspaper we could cease buying it as a protest. By law we have to pay to support the people responsible. I see a Uruguayan footballer at Manchester United has been fined £100,000 for making a quote which could be interpreted as offensive. What sanctions will be taken against the people responsible for this grossly offensive sketch?
SEAN O DOIGHILIN
Leitir Ceanain, Tir Chonaill
Meddling with science
Numerical transparency on vaccinations as opposed to vague ‘rollouts’ is crucial. The arbitrary decision to extend the interval between Pfizer dosages from an optimal three to 12 weeks is foolish and meddling with the science. With production of all vaccine types now into the billions, what excuse can there be for a sluggish mass vaccination pace?
JAMES CORBETT
Cookstown, Co Tyrone
