Tuesday, 31 March 2015

An Audi obstacle, and a lesson in creating self-driving cars

AN JOSE, Calif. -- Audi's engineers designed "Jack," their latest self-driving car prototype, to deal with many hazards.

Tumbleweed wasn't one of them.

Jack, an A7 sedan guided by nearly two dozen lasers, cameras and sensors, was taking a 550-mile drive to the International CES technology expo in Las Vegas in January when, on a remote stretch of desert highway, a piece of tumbleweed got stuck to the grille.

It stayed there for 10 or 15 miles, blocking some of Jack's sensors, Daniel Lipinski, a senior engineer at Audi, recalled last week at a conference here. Jack managed to stay on course, but the episode clearly showed one of the most daunting challenges in designing self-driving cars: teaching them to deal with the unexpected.

"We can't program a car to do every behavior," said Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of chipmaker Nvidia Corp., which hosted the conference.

It's that challenge that has plunged Nvidia and other tech companies into the field of "deep learning," which aims to train computers to process data in a way that mimics the human brain.

Automakers and suppliers have historically used brute force in designing "driver assist" features that prevent cars from crashing. They run extensive tests to prepare for a wide range of situations, and if testing shows that an automatic braking system can't recognize a baby deer, for instance, engineers tweak the algorithm to create the right result.

Nvidia, whose clients include Audi and Tesla, aims to supplement those technologies with onboard computers that could process signals from cameras and sensors and quickly compare them with a vast and ever-growing database of known driving situations. Such computers could "learn the behavior of driving over time and can be updated over time to be smarter and smarter and better and better at driving," Huang said.

The company's first offering with that capability is its Drive PX automotive computer, which will be available in May with a $10,000 price tag for a developer kit. (A production chip would cost less.)

Some experts suggest that deep learning will replace algorithms and upend the field of suppliers working to refine autonomous driving through conventional programming. Others expect deep learning to supplement algorithms, not replace them.

Israel-based Mobileye has started shipping its EyeQ3 chips, widely used for automatic braking systems, with deep learning technology as well as algorithms, Barclays analyst Brian Johnson wrote in a note to investors this month. He dismissed the notion that deep learning would obviate Mobileye's portfolio of algorithms, designed over 15 years.

But deep learning is improving rapidly. Microsoft said Feb. 6 that its supercomputer was the first to beat a human in recognizing pictures from the ImageNet database, which includes 1.5 million images in 1,000 categories, from dogs to fruit.

With the right training, a car could soon be better than a human at recognizing a baby deer, tumbleweed and other objects. That's hugely important for automakers such as Audi and Tesla that are trying to relieve drivers from the burdens of driving.

"In a complex suburban environment, that's where you get a lot of unexpected things happening," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said at last week's conference. "A road closure, a manhole cover open. Children playing is a big issue ... being able to recognize what you're seeing and make the right decision in a suburban environment in that 10 mph to 50 mph zone is the challenging portion."

Tesla uses Nvidia's chips to power the instrument cluster and infotainment system in the Model S sedan, and Musk said advances in computing have left him confident about development of self-driving cars.

"I almost view it as a solved problem," he said. "We know exactly what to do, and we'll be there in a few years."

Driving courses to revise the driving skills

Automatic Driving Lessons EdinburghGetting geared up to learn driving is definitely an important phase in your life, similar to the time when you took your first step or you rode a bicycle for the first time.
First, you must ensure that the pretest driving school for which you enroll offers driving examinations and certificates to all learners who pass their examinations. This is equivalent to more income. Also, you will be confident and contented of who you are and your qualification among other drivers. The time has finally come and your child has reached the age where they are able to take their driving test. If you have stayed for a considerable amount of time without driving, you may need to attend a driving lesson Enfield means a course to revise your driving skills. With the abundance of driving schools, you will have to focus on different qualities of the institution before deciding to enroll in it for your training. If you can identify a good driving school, you will never regret. First, you will be considered competent enough to be accepted by major institutions in the public and private sector. There isn't a particular time of the year when it's best to take lessons, such as summer, winter, spring ECT. However there is a good time for you to take driving lessons Enfield.

Monday, 30 March 2015

‘Nerdy’ female pro driver scares the living daylights out of some driving instructors

We have grown pretty jaded of prank videos on YouTube where some guy (it is usually a guy) tricks people into doing/saying weird things and situations while his partner surreptitiously films them from a distance. They then reveal that is was all a prank, and then point out the camera(s) that was there the whole time. These types of pranks and so-called social experiments – whatever those experiments are – are usually cringe-inducing, setting unassuming people up and taking advantage of their good nature for shits and giggles. There actually is a whole industry built around these prank videos now, and it is usually a testosterone-pumped Jersey Shore wannabe who’s doing the pranking.

This one is a bit different though. Although there seems to be yet another doucheball mastermind behind it, we thankfully don’t see him until the end, when he invariably pops up with the plea for subscribers and more views.

What we do get to see is female Malaysian professional racecar driver, Leona Chin, honing a nicely-fettled Nissan Silvia S15 in a manner that would do Ken Block proud. And in the passenger seat are some very, very scared driving instructors clinging on for dear life. Apparently, the driving school approached the channel, asking them if they could prank some of their new employees on their first day at work.

Going by her Facebook profile, Leona Chin Lyweoi is the real deal. She’s in her late twenties, and has been drifting professionally since 2006, having claimed the top spot in Category 1 Ladies on multiple occasions. Not that you would guess by this appearance though. Thanks to the magic of make-up, and some nerdy costumes, Leona perfectly nails the part of a gawky teenager lining up for her first driving lesson. Then all hell breaks loose.

We won’t spoil what follows too much, but it is pretty funny and features some great rubber burning. And that S15 in stealth matte black looks mean.

Acquire valuable lesson at Aldershot from experts

Advanced Driver Training (1)Good driver always ensures self safety as well safety of other while driving on the road. Before booking any lessons people should compare prices of a number of different instructors and also find an instructor who has a car that you they will feel confident driving. The lessons are very essential for those who want take up driving as a career.
It is a good idea to take this sooner rather than later as you cannot take your driving test until you have passed your theory test. Most companies who provide driving lesson Aldershot or automatic driving lessons will work evenings and weekends to fit in with peoples work or study commitments. If you live in or around the Aldershot area and want to take driving lessons then you will need to find companies who offer driving lessons in these places. In Aldershot, these is best institutions offer reliable and convenient driving lessons, you will acquire valuable lesson from experts. There are several schools which train a large number of people. A lot of young people look forward to the age where they can start learning how to drive a car; it is a massive statement of independence that you do not have to rely on other people to travel around. Driving lessons Aldershot are not only important for novice drivers or young people working to improve their skills. They are also good for learners of all ages.

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Local approved driving teachers who are familiar with you

Driving Lessons HaveringYou cannot just learn to drive in a day, which is why you need to find a reliable driving instructor first. There are some reliable driving instructors offering driving lesson Havering. If you are a new driver, taking training from an excellent school of motoring, can bring you excellent starting offers by which you can save a lot of money. With the help of a professional, you will eventually not only learn the skills of driving but also become a safe and independent driver. Enrolling in driving lesson you are able to will ensure that you get local approved driving teachers who are familiar with you, are able to and the surrounding areas. It is very important to learn to drive properly before you hit the road on your own car.

To get your license you need to go through a structured training program. It is important to be confident while driving and for that you need to become familiar with all aspects of driving your vehicle. Here at Havering we specialize in driving lessons Havering and our various packages include driving lessons Havering options for all sorts of learner motorists, from total beginners to those who have been out of practice and want a few refresher driving lessons Havering to boost their confidence behind the wheel. This is vitally important as there are so many drivers on the roads now so you need to be totally comfortable before you take your test. Driving lesson for teachers such as driving training in Havering are important objectives in personal life, partially because of the extensive attaining use of the vehicle as the most preferred kind of transportation available to a personal.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Complete Specific Requirements At Glasgow

Driving Lesson GlasgowWith the less amount of time you have the opportunity to learn and best skills. Our driving school offers top-rated drivers classes. Our experts provide driving lessons Glasgow regarding good or bad driving habits, traffic rules and codes, and other driving considerations. With the perfect experience we make you best experience holder so completes your need and makes your career in driving. In this type of driving, all driving rules are followed strictly by the driver. Driving is a best skill and every one must know how to drive, but in spite of that you are unable to drive so no worry you have time now, you may also learn so if you have plan or desire so we are here to provide you best driving lesson. We are here and understand the value of time so our course duration is not much only within few days will realize that you are at right place. With the perfect expert and perfect lesson you can learn and drive according to rules so do not delay your decision can become right.


Glasgow has trained professional instructors to provide quality driving education to its clients. Glasgow also provides driving lesson Glasgow regarding defensive driving. One of the main advantages of these driving sessions is flexibility in scheduling. Right driving school will always pay attention on every point. So can be said that this is time to enhance your driving related skills at the driving centers. You can schedule your class according to your own time preferences. You can learn easily because our expert trainer will assist you in all ways.

Friday, 20 March 2015

What is an ELD? Driver training committee struggles for consensus

In the world of trucking regulations, alphabet soup rules supreme. It seems every agency, program, regulation, device and even people have an acronym. Most see ELD and still think electronic logging devices. That acronym has been repurposed for entry-level driver. First order of business for the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee meeting in Washington, D.C., March 19-20, was to define ELDs – or more specifically who entry-level driver training requirements would apply to. The answer is not something so simple as grabbing a dictionary and defining what entry-level is. It turned into a lengthy discussion peppered with “what ifs” and differing points of view. The committee of 26 industry stakeholders wrangled with a variety of scenarios originating from their unique perspectives. Considering that the committee includes representatives from everything from the FMCSA to large fleet associations to law enforcement to driving school associations to OOIDA all the way to an owner-operator – finding consensus on a definition proved problematic. The FMCSA proposed that entry-level driver training apply to those who have never held a CDL, those upgrading CDLs, those obtaining hazmat and passenger endorsements and those reinstating their CDLs. The most significant sticking point was whether reinstatements should be required to retake the entire entry-level driver training. OOIDA Director of Regulatory Affairs Scott Grenerth pointed to a recent trend of CDL downgrades because of glitches in the new medical registry program. He advocated to the group that drivers should not be subjected to repeating training because of a clerical error. Owner-operator Bryan Spoon pressed for going through the training only once. He said reinstatements should be a state issue. A representative from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Bob Tershak, and Peter Kurdock of Advocates for Automotive and Highway Safety advocated for retraining. A chorus of varying opinions from a number of participants dominated the lengthy conversation much of the morning. Scenarios ran the gamut of short lapses in a valid CDL to one where an individual spent 10 years out of trucking. The fundamental purpose of the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee is to reach consensus on a driver training rule. That means also reaching consensus on who the reg would apply to. Twice in two meetings, the group has moved forward without a definition of who the rule will apply to. While possibly close to agreement, the committee will take up the possibility of refresher courses for lapsed CDLs at a future meeting before finalizing who will face driver training. The rest of the first day included presentations from various driver training associations, schools and motor carriers on their varied current curriculums. Day two has cost-benefit discussions as well as breakout sessions for committees to begin work on framing together proposals on everything from curriculum to certification of providers to implementation. This is the second of six planned two-day meetings. The goal set by FMCSA and the facilitator is to have consensus on a regulation recommendation by the end of the final meeting May 29.

Scott Sturgis' Driver's Seat: Lessons learned from winter driving

Now that the spring equinox is almost here, it’s a good time to review what we’ve learned from driving during the winter of 2014-15. It was a winter to remember. So like the good students we all hope to be, let's review the material, and clip and save it for the future. Then pull this column back out when the snow makes an unwelcome return appearance … next year. Lesson 1: People are driving too fast in bad weather. In good weather, I am a motivated driver. But when the snow starts falling, I find the recommended 45 mph on most Pennsylvania limited-access highways is usually far too high. The numbers bear it out. A total of 17,832 crashes involving ice or snow/slush covered roadways were reported in Pennsylvania during the winter of 2013-14, according to data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Massive pileups in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire this year should remind us to be alert for possible bad weather when temperatures are low. In the New Hampshire crash on Jan. 2, Manchester District Fire Chief Al Poulin told WCVB in Boston that there were many vehicles on the road driving in excess of the 75 mph speed limit. Lesson 2: All-wheel drive is a good thing. I’ve long been a fan of front-wheel drive. I thought it was good enough. But this year, I managed to get a schedule of all-wheel-drive vehicles during the perfect storm of events, and I learned how wonderful it could be. Dan Edmunds, director of Vehicle Testing for Edmunds.com, agrees. “Some of the vehicles I’ve tested — it’s amazing how well they’ll accelerate on snow compared to a two-wheel-drive version, even with front drive,” he said. For the snowluge of 2014-15, I enjoyed an all-wheel-drive Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, and — most surprisingly — a BMW 2 Series XDrive vehicles. That low-slung sports coupe turned out to be an unlikely hero. I drove it in a surprise storm on an inch of icy snow, and using Sport+ mode for extra traction control, it never slipped once. Then I grew especially daring, climbing a neighbor's ice-covered driveway that my son was afraid to walk down. Once more, not a slip was to be had. How could this be? Don Remboski, vice president for innovation research and development at Dana Holding Corp. in Maumee, Ohio, has given this a great deal of thought in his role at the automotive engineered driveline supplier. He explained that engineers consider each tire a “contact patch,” where the rubber literally meets the road. All-wheel drive gets all four contact patches working together, in theory, but because each tire may be on a different surface (ice, dry pavement, snow) the tires won’t distribute the power uniformly. Old-time four-wheel-drive systems allow each side of the vehicle to work independently — a setup known as the limited-slip differential. All-wheel drive allows each wheel to operate independently, and seamlessly, without any input from the driver. Sensors at each wheel are tiny cogs measuring the revolutions of each tire. They transmit the information to the car’s computer, which redistributes power when it recognizes one wheel moving much faster than others — or reacting to other combinations of movement as needed. Most systems apply some brake pressure to slow the spinning wheel, although more complicated systems will use overdrive or clutches to produce the same effect, Mr. Remboski said. Traction control also functions in a similar manner. Another big improvement for winter traction has been in tires, Mr. Remboski said. Today’s winter tires — which could really be called “snow-and-ice” tires rather than just snow tires — have better formulated rubber compounds for those surfaces. Lesson 3: Laws of physics still apply. I hope to ferociously combat that other winter driving animal, the Overconfident SUV Driver. Everyone has seen that driver morph into SUV Driver in the Ditch — and both Mr. Remboski and Mr. Edmunds mentioned that stereotype without being prompted. All-wheel drive and traction control are excellent assistive devices designed for getting the vehicle moving. No matter how wonderfully they work, though, they still all stop in about the same distance on snow and ice, Mr. Remboski said. “It's easy for someone to fall into a false sense of security — it pays to be extra cautious with attempting to stop,” he said. Mr. Edmunds agreed. He noted that his own daughter is learning to drive and he has some reservations about an all-wheel-drive vehicle for a new driver. “Part of me thinks I'd almost rather have her in a two-wheel-drive car when she's learning just to have her aware of how little traction there is in certain conditions,” Mr. Edmunds said. A final illustration of this: The BMW 2 Series that climbed the icy driveway early in this column didn't come back down without causing me — and the car — to create some skid marks. But we both made it down without incident.

top quality driving knowledge

The instructor will also provide you with useful tips related to traffic rules. Approved driving teachers not only help you to comprehend the automobile but to make you an ideal car owner who can drive securely through filter streets to start up roadways. Knowledge is indeed important in assisting the learners make advised options when experienced with various difficulties while driving.
For top quality driving knowledge, choosing a well-known educational institutions of motoring Liverpool is suggested. To take admission in a reputed institute, you don't have to spend a large sum of money either. Only a excellent school of motoring and excellent trainer can educate you well in driving guidelines. This will ensure that once you start driving Lessons on your own on a daily basis, you don't end up breaking traffic rules unknowingly, and pay hefty fines. Therefore, you need to take your time in order to select a training school which provides in-depth practical training to clients. 

Monday, 16 March 2015

Teen's driving lesson ends with car into Northwest Fresno apartments

Two apartments in Northwest Fresno are damaged after a car crashed into them on Sunday.

Firefighters say a teen was getting a driving lesson from his parent at the Terrace View complex near Nees and Poplar avenues, when he accidentally hit the gas and backed the vehicle into the building.

Fire officials say one person was inside the bottom unit watching TV at the time of the crash. The car came within a few feet of him, but luckily no one was hurt.

"The fire department is now doing some temporary shoring. We have a balcony that's potentially going to collapse. The main structure on the ground floor is going to be shored up, and we're not able to let anybody into these two apartments until that occurs," said Battalion Chief Kacy Clark with the Fresno Fire Department.

The crash caused about $10,000 in damage to the bottom unit and the one above it. Fire officials say the apartment complex will need to have contractors called out on Monday to finish the repair process.

Authorities encourage parents to use a professional driving instructor to avoid these situations, especially in an apartment complex where driving space is limited.

Best convenience and several choices on driving lesson

Automatic Driving Lesson EdinburghThe right provider of Automatic driving lesson Edinburgh for your needs will have highly qualified instructors who are registered with the DSA as Approved Driving Instructors. Professional, experienced driving schools have instructors capable of teaching each and every aspect of driving from maneuvering the car in a basic fashion to controlling the car during winter conditions, when specific skills like changing lanes safely during an emergency situation become very important. The freedom to drive anywhere at any time empowers a person and assists many young people emerge into adult hood. If you live in the Edinburgh and you wish to learn to drive, there are certainly many factors that you will need to consider when you are looking for the perfect training school.


One of your first priorities will be to ensure that you are looking in the right place. Although you may have initially decided to flick through the phone book, we're here to tell you that the Internet may well be the best place to look for driving schools, thanks to the convenience and choice that it offers. Automatic driving lessons Edinburgh ensures that students are qualified and competent drivers especially when they are on the road. They modify their lessons to suit the needs on their students ability and performance. You should get your teen driving lessons from the best driving school in Edinburgh.

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Gallatin High students get lesson in safe driving

Gallatin High School students on Wednesday got a first-hand look at how dangerous texting behind the wheel can be.

A driving simulator parked at the school took students through a series of scenarios designed to replicate the experience of driving while texting.

“It was hard; I couldn’t stay focused and crashed,” said Katlyn McDougal, a sophomore who has her learner’s permit.

Freshman Luke Alexander had the same result. “It’s a lot harder than I thought,” Alexander said. “I didn’t hit anybody, but it’s definitely not safe to text and drive.”

The exercise was part of a teen-driver safety program provided by a $25,000 prize Gallatin High School won from the Celebrate My Drive contest sponsored by State Farm last fall. The State Farm contest asked students across the country to make and solicit safe-driving commitments from the community on behalf of their school. Ten percent of the prize money must go toward safe-driving initiatives.

Reporter Jennifer Easton can be reached at 615-575-7143 and @JenniferMEaston on Twitter

Making driving lessons Luton your preference

Driving Lesson LutonThe instructors largely determine the caliber of the drivers who accomplish their course in a driving school, as they are the ones directly offering the diving lessons. Driving lessons Luton will let you go through a process to make the entire lessons simple for you to cope up with. If you are already at the age of 17 and strategy to get your own car or if you are mature and instantly look for the desire or need to understand to drive, one of the very first factors you will need is to get your driving certificate.

Driving is not a onetime exercise; it is a continuous process with the necessary ethics coming into play every time one gets behind the wheel. Driving training has many benefits. Once a person decides to undertake a driving course, they are under tutorage of an instructor. Choosing the driving school in which to undertake the course is as important as the acquisition of the skill itself. Besides getting value for the cost incurred, landing in a school in which road safety and safe driving is emphasized should form major basis of making this choice. While a driver is on the road, he is required to adhere to a set of code, which largely guide one regarding behavior while on the road. You can choose a school that provides really cost-effective prices, or go for a school that will customize your driving lesson Luton by picking out the approved driving trainer that suits your skills and capacity to understand. Driving classes provided by such devoted Driving Educational institutions Luton.

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Quality driving lessons for beginners

Starting with a lump sum fee for the first few lessons, you would have the opportunity to further book lessons at a discounted rate if you join the same driving school again. For those people, who want to learn how to drive in a short period of time, some schools offer a 'fast pass' intensive course, both for learners and those with some experience who have little time from their regular work to learn driving. The learners during Driving Lessons are also provided with notes that they can go through at the end of the day.
Driving Lesson Edinburgh
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This way they can learn and understand the traffic signs and learn them more effectively. If you want to learn how to become a driving instructor you can take up driving lessons Edinburgh in one of the many good advertised which has well trained teachers to teach you everything you need to need to know to be a good driver. If you are a resident and are thinking of taking up driving lessons, you will be pleased to know that there are several good offer quality driving lessons for beginners as also those who would like to brush up on driving skills. If you want to learn tips on how to drive or have a friend who wishes to, inspire them to sign up for a professional driving school. Enrolling in driving lessons Edinburgh will ensure that you get local driving instructors who are familiar with the Edinburgh. A good in Edinburgh should be able to offer quality service, lessons on the different types of driving and be totally reliable.

Terra offers CDL training

Terra State Community College is offering commercial driver’s license truck training in conjunction with Trainco, Inc. Truck Driving Schools, because of the high demand for truck drivers in our region.
The next day class begins April 6, and runs Monday through Thursday until April 30. Class times are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The next night class begins April 27, and runs Monday through Friday until May 29. Class times are 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Classes begin and end at Terra State each day. Program fee is $3,995.
Students in this fast track, non-credit program will learn all of the skills needed to take the commercial driver’s license. Each session includes 140 hours of training.
For information or to enroll, call the Kern Center at Terra State at 419-559-2464.

Parents, not priests, driving segregation

Sadly, when theories of everything are applied to society's big problems, they aren't such a good thing. The Irish Times' theory of everything sees religion as the unifying rot behind Ireland's ills. This is a terrible theory. Religion has been the cause of many problems, but when religion is all you can see it becomes a black hole into which all complex problems disappear, and from which no solutions can emerge.
The resulting blind spot was exposed spectacularly last week in a major profile regarding the segregation of Irish primary school children. A survey showed that four-fifths of immigrant children are being educated in just over a fifth of our schools. This means there are many schools with no or very few immigrant children, while others have huge numbers. Apart from the sadness of having children so starkly segregated, this presents significant challenges for those schools trying to shoulder the burden of educating children who might need extra support. What's behind this segregation?
Geography is a rather obvious cause, since immigrant populations settle in particular urban areas and indeed the Irish Times analysis referred to this. But there's more to it than that, because an Educate Together principal Tom Moriarty was quoted as saying that: "There are schools in Dublin existing side by side where one is almost completely international in nature and the other is exclusively Irish."
So what's going on there? The analysis quickly zeroed in on religion. Schools use religion as a method by which immigrants could be discouraged from attending. When they run out of places, only Catholics need apply. What's the solution? Catholic schools need to "divest" themselves of their patronage of so many schools. Thus, free from the stifling control of priests, schools could open their gates to the Nirvana of multi-culturalism. We were reminded that this divestment process has crawled along without much progress for years.
The astonishing thing was that nowhere, no matter how many times I read Pamela Duncan's article, could I find the word "Gaelscoil". How could any credible analysis of segregation in primary schools be conducted without even mentioning the most substantial barrier to entry for immigrants - the Irish language? Parents have many legitimate reasons for sending their children to Gaelscoileannna, but motive is irrelevant if it's the net effect that concerns us. The reality is that in many towns and urban centres, the immigrant kids are at the local national school under the benign patronage of the much maligned Catholic church, while up at the Gaelscoil, free from the critical eye of the Irish Times or anyone else, you'll struggle to find a black child.
So in one Dublin national school they have a huge cross-section of children from Europe, Africa and Asia. Just 35pc of the pupils are Irish. A short distance away at a Gaelscoil 99pc of the pupils are Irish. But the commentariat can't takes its eyes off those infernal priests and their discriminating schools, while under the radar, the self-selecting families in the Gaelscoileanna sail along blissfully free of moral challenge.
I'm not saying those families are doing anything wrong - they're entitled to their choice - but why don't they merit a mention? Yet of the 14 schools in the survey with more than 66pc of pupils from a non-Irish origin, the majority - eight - were old-fashioned national schools under Catholic patronage. The rest were Educate Together, many newly built in new suburbs like Adamstown.
Since the analysis is flawed, so is the suggested solution. If religion is the problem then wresting schools away from the Church is the answer. In fact, the real problem is the obsession of Irish parents with the choice to which they believe themselves so entitled. They'd have heart failure if they were presented with a system like Finland's.
In the 1990s Finland experienced a deep recession. With a similar population size and distribution to Ireland, they made massive education cuts, closing 1,000 out of 4,000 primary schools. They funnelled all pupils into one school in each town. It saved them a pile of money, but by channelling resources into those single schools, they ended up with high standards which are the envy of Europe. (They did other stuff too but, alas, space prevents me from elaborating).
Could you imagine if you took those Gaeilscoils, two-teacher rural schools, private and religious schools away from Irish parents? The revolt would make the water charges protest look like a teddy bears' picnic.
I think a single-school policy is the correct one; morally, socially and economically. But it's parents not priests who are the major obstacle. If you're going to fight a war over segregation in schools, identifying the real problem is a good start.