Madam, - There is a serious lack of clear information about the effects of the Chernobyl explosion on the children of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. This problem has three distinct sources.
The first is the group of nuclear apologists keen to propagate a system of energy production which, as is clear to anyone who has spent time in Belarus, has done massive damage to the the people of the country, both medically and psycho-socially.
Secondly, some aid agencies and certain sections of the media continue to exploit child suffering in an effort to increase and maintain fund-raising efforts. They mistakenly think that a desire to do good work furnishes them with a licence to adapt the truth to help their cause.
The third source of confusion is the Belarussian Government, and in particular President Alexander Lukashenka, who has frustrated the efforts of scientists trying to analyse the exact extent of the damage from Chernobyl.
I respectfully suggest that anyone interested in finding out the reality of the consequences of Chernobyl should talk to one of the many Belarussians - adults or children - living in Ireland. In the main they will offer a frank and honest assessment of the current situation. - Is mise,
RORY McDAID, Clybaun Road, Knocknacarra, Galway.