Sir - With reference to Denis Coghlan's article (Apr 20th), Mr Coghlan states "evidence from the blighted conurbations of Dublin and other major cities indicates a need for radical State intervention. Otherwise the cost of social readjustment and rehabilitation will become horrendous in future years". Mr Coghlan had earlier in his article referred to the poverty and marginalisation in Dublin West. I have rarely seen such clarity and understanding in a newspaper article. I hope that Messrs Spring and Co are listening, and I refer to Mr Spring and his Labour colleagues, because they promised social change and have not delivered.
One matter which Mr Coghlan did not address in his article was the human cost of ignoring the appalling poverty, disadvantage and marginalisation of people in communities. We will, without any doubt, lose part of a whole generation of young people to drug abuse, crime and AIDS. As it stands most young people from disadvantaged areas are no longer part of the "system".
I cannot describe the pain and suffering that exists in these communities. I cannot describe the utter lack of compassion that exists in many Government departments. I cannot describe the stupidity of the Department of Health in the provision of methadone clinics, while they ignore intervention projects - which - would prevent young people from becoming heroin addicts in the first place. I can however tell you that how we respond to the crises that exist in disadvantaged areas in Dublin and the rest of the country, will define the future of Irish society. - Yours, etc.,
Carline Intervention Project, Clondalkin,
Dublin 22.