The Gazette 1992

JUNE 1992

GAZETTE

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Family Finance by Colm Rapple (Squirrel Press, £4.50, 252pp, paperback)

Religion, Education and the Constitution

and Christian concept!

Edited by Dermot A Lane. (Dublin, The Columba Press, 1992 IR£6.99, 119pp, paperback.) Article 42 of Bunreacht na hÉireann provides that the State acknowledges that the primary and natural educator of the child is the family. For two short years, your reviewer experienced the privilege of educating students in two secondary schools. The philosophy that appealed most to your reviewer at that time was that expounded in The School and Society written by John Dewey and first published in 1899. Dewey argued that what the best and wisest parent wanted for his or her own child, that must the community want for all of its children. Any other ideal for our schools was narrow and unlovely: acted upon, it destroyed democracy. This book is introduced and edited by Dermot A Lane, Director of Studies at the Mater Dei Institute of Education in Dublin. The book comprises four papers given on the occasion of the Mater Dei Institute celebrating its Silver Jubilee of involvement in teacher education. The Institute also wished to provide a forum for the public discussion on education in the context of the Government's forthcoming White paper relating to a proposed Education Act. and Education in a Pluralist Society". In one section of his paper, Professor Hull focuses on the role of religious education as an emancipatory discipline, with a capacity to liberate adults and children from oppressive aspects of religion. What a truly magnificent The first essay is by Professor John M Hull and is entitled "Religion

"Usefulness and Liberal Learning" is the title of the paper delivered by Kevin Williams. The writer argues that it is through the curriculum of liberal learning that we best serve the human and potential needs of our young people. Some of our Government Ministers may not agree. Your reviewer, however, submits that liberal learning should co-exist with appropriate subjects relating to vocational skills. In "Irish Education Policy in a Philosophical Perspective: The Legacy of Liberalism", Eoin Cassidy considers the relative neglect of an explicit philosophy of education. Gerry Whyte, a law lecturer and fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, in the final paper, "Education and the Constitution", examines several issues relating to education including the possible constitutional implications for State financing of denominational education. He considers the possible conflict in constitutional terms between a policy of support for denominational education and a policy of neutrality towards the financing of religion generally. Lawyers will find in Religion, Education and the Constitution much food for debate and reflection.

Solicitors frequently find themselves acting for successful clients who have problems coping with personal finance. The solicitor finds himself or herself cast in the role of debt counsellor. For practical down to earth advice this book has got to be number one on the recommended reading list. It contains all the knowledge and information necessary in this area. The application of advice given is the only step needed to be taken after reading it. This is made all the more easy by a simple device used by the author. He had illustrated various money making or practical hints by putting little squirrels in the margin to highlight the relevant passages. each year updating it with fresh information on developments on such topics as the Budget, PAYE, income tax, covenants, inheritance and gift taxes, capital gains and tax saving investment schemes. He also covers such subjects as redundancy entitlements, social welfare, consumer and worker rights. . . the list goes on and on. The book itself is well laid out and easy to read. As a reference book it is invaluable and at £4.50 you cannot go wrong. Mr. Rapple can expect this book to continue to sell year after year after year. For fourteen years now Colm Rapple has been producing this publication,

Gerry Whyte's contribution, in particular, is rich in perceptive

observations. The critiques developed by Gerry Whyte are likely to prod many readers into reflecting afresh

about some of their long-held views on education and the* Constitution.

Eamonn G Hall

Justin McKenna

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