Sir, - Your report (July 21st) that fares may have to be tripled to ensure that taxis will be available in Dublin on December 31st appeared, at first glance, just another depressing example of millennium greed. It is indeed annoying that people are not prepared to work for a reasonable return, just because it is a "special" occasion. I suspect that, as the new millennium dawns, increasing numbers of special, once-off occasions will surface. However, my depression was short-lived. As I read on, Mr John Ussher, President of the Irish Taxi Drivers' Federation, was quoted as saying that "it's only once in a lifetime that you have a millennium". Evidently, there has been a scientific breakthrough of which I was not aware. Presumably, any baby who misses out on being born in time for the celebrations this year can look forward to a thousand-year life expectancy. I will never doubt the power of medical science again, - Yours, etc.,
Paul Kenny, Kimmage Road West, Dublin.