Madam, - The Rape Crisis Network Ireland warmly welcomes the content, tone and analysis of Kevin Myers's Irishman's Diary May 27th. As the national organisation representing 16 Rape Crisis Centres throughout the island we are heartened that so influential a columnist has highlighted the structural and institutional failings evident in that particular case. The RCNI believes that as a society we have failed as yet to face up to the prevalence, nature and underlying causes of sexual violence. Accordingly we have failed to inculcate a climate of belief within our communities and State structures.
Yesterday's Diary took an important step towards changing things for the better. On behalf of all survivors of sexual violence, those staff and volunteers who work on their behalf throughout the country we welcome this valuable contribution. - Yours, etc.,
KATE MULKERRINS, Legal Policy Co-ordinator, RCNI, Quay Street, Galway.
Madam, I am a regular reader of Kevin Myers's Diary in your paper. While I always find his opinions challenging and thought provoking, I frequently disagree with them.
However, I agree with every word of his piece about the former soldier sentenced for the serial rape of six little girls.
Money spent on an inquiry or tribunal to investigate who was responsible for allowing the abuse to continue and to ensure that such failings can never happen again would, for a change, be money well spent.
Those identified as responsible should be immediately dismissed. - Yours, etc.,
TOM CULLEN, Monkstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.