Madam, - I was saddened to read in your edition of December 19th of the lonely Christmas faced by young asylum-seekers in private hostels. Three years ago my husband and I befriended a teenage boy from Palestine who was living in such a hostel. This young man is now a permanent resident in Ireland and we have both benefited from his friendship and from learning about his culture and background.
I would encourage your readers to do likewise through the auspices of their local health board and give these young people a real Irish welcome. - Yours, etc,
V and G DUNCAN, Shandon Park, Monkstown, Co Dublin.