Sir, - I fully support Sr Stanislaus's idea (July 19th) of a department for children with a Government minister in charge - or perhaps she could head it up herself. The feelings of guilt and helplessness on passing these children begging cuts so deep. It's Ireland's biggest shame. Economic growth means nothing when you look in their eyes.
Any party brave and honest enough to acknowledge they have got it wrong in their efforts so far, gets my vote and probably many more, if they now set up a department.
Each child on the street looks just as amazing as any Ballsbridge baby when their mothers push them into this world. Though they lie side by side in the hospital nursery, from the moment they leave, their worlds will separate. Baby A goes to Ballsbridge and every chance in life, baby B to the street in 10 years. Baby B will have to be extraordinary to ever feel or be seen as equal again. Is that fair? - Yours, etc.,
Mary O'Dwyer, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.