Madam — I believe that Pat Dunne (June 29th) needs to realise the importance of proper practices in identifying children and parents for passport applications. In these times of human trafficking it is imperative that these formalities are upheld.
Pat Dunne feels fortunate that he is not known to gardaí, I have a lot of friends, family and neighbours who are delighted to know their local garda. A child with a million and one questions is a joy. I have had many an entertaining conversation with children who are delighted to ask the garda some questions and parents appreciate when the garda gives age-appropriate answers.
Quite a few Garda stations give tours to young children in scout and guide troops and to schools. I think it is fantastic to build up a positive relationship with the Garda so when a child is lost or distressed that they will not be afraid to ask a garda for help. Yes gardaí are overburdened but we do try to encourage a good rapport with our young clients. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Pat Dunne (June 29th)raises a pertinent issue in having to bring his/her child to the Garda station in order to validate a passport application. Such places can have an intimidating atmosphere at the best of times and are no places for the meek, let alone a child.
Applicants for passports in the UK have to have their forms countersigned by a “professional person” such as a teacher, civil servant, priest, a police officer and so on, who has known them for at least two years. Surely the same could apply in the Republic. – Yours, etc,