Madam, - What a shame that yet another year has passed and still the Government does nothing to curb illegal fireworks. The fact that fireworks have been outlawed for many years appears to have no real effect on the amount of fireworks available at Halloween. The economics of supply and demand, together with a buoyant economy, ensure that everyone can obtain as many fireworks as they require.
In the 1970s most of the fireworks available on the streets were imported from England. This meant that at least they complied with UK safety standards. Asian fireworks are now more common. These are much much louder and more dangerous than the UK bangers.
The Government's continued negligence in this regard ensures that we will be plagued with very loud bangers and many children will again be needlessly injured this Halloween. Fireworks should be legalised so that they may be controlled. - Yours, etc,
JOE DEEGAN, Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.