In response to T S Birrell's letter, UH

19/06/08, entitled "Education Minister should restore Latin to the school curriculum", I'd like welcome this, but welcome with caution.

Some years ago, Latin was a prerequisite to many other fields, most notably the sciences.

However, as a scientist myself, I often read the claims of many, with skepticism, that Latin enhances students' achievements in other subjects.

This is one point that needs to be backed with scientific evidence. Is there evidence or is it anecdotal? Perhaps a modern approach to a modern Romance language (Spanish, Italian, French) could have similar benefits.

An ex-Omagh resident

Dublin 18