Madam, - Mary Raftery's article (Nov 9th) draws attention yet again to the arrogant response of the management of the Mater Hospital to Janette Byrne's book, If It Were Only Cancer. Such a response is not entirely unexpected. Was it not these very tactics (or fear of them) that ensured child abuse was not reported when it should have been?
As a result of the publication of the book, and following on from well-documented cases of abuse, one would imagine that the powers that be in health and education would learn and respond in a more positive way to citizens trying to enhance these services by giving appropriate feedback.
Why is it not generally understood that we are citizens of a democratic republic in which each citizen is a stakeholder with responsibilities?
The taxpayers funding these institutions need to know what's going on.
It takes some nerve to complain: Janette Byrne is a brave woman and deserves our support. Why should she suffer because she complained?
Minister for Health Mary Harney must take responsibility for the resources deployed on our behalf in the Mater and while you're at it, please let us know who the accountable officers are. - Yours, etc,
MARTIN KNOX, Ballynacally, Co Clare.