Madam, - The plight of older Irish emigrants living in poverty in the UK, recently highlighted by RTÉ, brings to mind James Joyce's description of Ireland as the sow that eats its own farrow.
I am sure every Irish person must have some family members living abroad through forced emigration. After a period of unprecedented prosperity, the fact that sufficient funds cannot be made available by the Government to help those most in need is depressing. Apparently there are various hotels and hostels throughout the country lying vacant which were intended for refugees coming to Ireland. Surely these can be made available to allow those most at need abroad to return to Ireland.
If Irish people living abroad were allowed to vote in elections here, I am sure politicians would be paying more attention to their needs. - Yours, etc.,
AIDAN BUGLER,
The Elms,
Mount Merrion Avenue,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.