Sir, - In Deas·n Breathnach's Irishman's Diary of December 10th, I read with interest that this haven for charities and volunteerism needs £1 million for urgent repairs. The staff at the house were treated to a speech by the Taoiseach expounding the virtues of volunteerism, but apparently he has not yet put money where his mouth is.
I recently visited Farmleigh House, where the State can now accommodate foreign dignitaries in the style to which many leaders have become accustomed. Legislation was rushed through the Dail to approve the £23 million purchase of this building and the OPW then spent £18 million in renovating and repairing it. As a nation we appear to applaud volunteerism and good works but plough the cash into impressing visiting foreign leaders.
We should have a place for accommodating visiting heads of state, but we should also maintain some reality and balance in the allocation of resources for those in our "civilised" society who need the help of the 43 charities working from Carmichael House. - Yours, etc.,
Stephen Smith, Temple Manor, Celbridge, Co Kildare.