Madam, - I read in your sports pages of July 4th that the GAA will have video evidence available to it when adjudicating on the alleged stamping incident involving Mattie Forde of Wexford. What a pity Irish children are still awaiting the publication of the report on the use of video statements in cases of alleged sexual and serious physical assault.
As a member of the large committee that drew up the guidelines governing the use of such video statements, I would be heartened to know that our work would be brought to fruition and the part of the 1992 Criminal Evidence Act allowing for the use of such evidence would, finally, be introduced.
It is truly ironic that video evidence could be used in hurling and football matches involving under-age players while our criminal courts are still without this facility. If the GAA sees how important it is to make use of this technology surely Irish children who may have been abused deserve no less. - Yours, etc,
KIERAN McGRATH, Child Welfare Consultant, Beaconsfield Court, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.