Sir, - Writing on the role of Garda immigration officers at Cherbourg, Nuala Haughey (The Irish Times, February 3rd) quotes the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, as saying gardai were "fully aware" that they were acting in an "advisory capacity" to Irish Ferries. This seems a particularly convoluted way of describing the role of gardai at Cherbourg.Perhaps the Minister or Irish Ferries would enlighten us as to exactly how this advisory role of the Garda works in practice. The Minister's linguistic gymnastics suggests that he is fully aware that the only advice being offered by gardai at Cherbourg is given directly to selected passengers and entails advising them that they will not be allowed on the ferry. - Yours, etc.,
Pat Guerin, Anti-Racism Campaign, Upper Camden Street, Dublin 2.