Sir, - The recent release of figures by the Department of the Taoiseach showing the cost to the taxpayer of entertaining visiting dignitaries attracted my attention. Particularly magnetic was the reference to the five banquets which took place at a minimum cost of £15,000 each.
Fifteen thousand pounds had a familiar ring to it - and then it came to me. £15,000 was a sum allocated to our service "Teen Between", which aims to bring counselling services to young people affected by their parents' marital breakdown.
The fact that this £15,000 represents more than a 100 per cent increase on the allocation for 1998 speaks for itself. On this particular shoestring we in MRCS are attempting to expand the service nationwide.
There is no doubt but that visiting heads of State to our shores must be entertained. I would ask, however: "Why is it more compelling that these people be entertained than the emotional needs of young people be met?" - Yours, etc.,
Ruth Barror, Chief Executive, Marriage and Relationship Counselling Services, Grafton Street, Dublin 2.