Letters: We need fewer strategies and greater clarity from government ministers

Irish Independent

6 hours ago

I believe the minister when he says he is 'building on what has already been achieved' – by previous government strategies, one imagines – 'strengthening implementation and identifying the action we need to take now and where we need to go next to prepare a clear pathway towards the fourth national strategy'.
Clear, then. And the fourth national strategy already in sight. How about achieving this 'third' strategy before moving on?
As for the flowery political-­speak, would it not be much better to speak plainly and simply to the instigators, purveyors and perpetrators of DSGBV ('violence against your partner' could be substituted here), and say: 'We've got this, we will prosecute you, and we will ensure that the extreme level of this problem will be dealt with, also at an extreme level.'
Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan
Opportunity squandered to pay tribute to Dr Lynn in name of new hospital
As Minister for Health in 2018, now Tánaiste Simon Harris considered naming the new national children's hospital after a wealthy donor as a way of funding the project.
Independent senator Victor Boyhan, along with many other voices, suggested naming it in memory of Dr Kathleen Lynn. Such a choice would have universal agreement.
However, current Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has named the hospital the National Children's Hospital Ireland.
We have been very fortunate with the calibre of citizens who, on the premise of volunteer participation, have given sterling service to assist the poor, the sick and the marginalised and are worthy of recognition by the State.
Dr Lynn and her partner Madel­eine ffrench-Mullen should surely have been considered.
Dr Lynn set high standards of care for the less well-off and destitute children at a time when the nascent Free State could not cope.
Tom Cooper, Templeogue, Dublin 6
Fine Gael's front-runners for presidency should be ashamed of their records
The prospect of Mairead McGuinness or Seán Kelly, both Fine Gael MEPs, occupying Áras an Uachtaráin in 2025 fills me with dismay.
In October 2019, they, along with Maria Walsh and Frances Fitzgerald, voted against a European Parliament resolution calling for enhanced search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The motion, defeated by just two votes, aimed to compel EU states to save lives at sea.
Their votes were pivotal. The consequences were devastating for the many who have drowned since.
No amount of Jesuitical rationalis­ation can justify their stance. Rather than seeking high office, they should hang their heads in shame.
Eileen Seery, Gorey, Co Wexford
We're blessed with many talented citizens, so why aren't they in Áras race?
It is shocking to think we don't have a strong list of candidates champing at the bit to run for the Áras ('Timing is crucial as candidates for Áras are considered', June 26).
Surely Michael D has inspired many with his outstanding presidency. We have wonderful, well-educated people – writers, artists, leaders – who could bring immense inspirational qualities to the office.
I would ask them to stand up – we need new candidates. We certainly don't need tired politicians or celebrities who have run the course and had their say. The office is too important.
Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
Cancer institute's award was very well deserved – I can't thank them enough
Huge congratulations to all the staff at the Trinity St James's Cancer Institute (TSJCI) on receiving an award from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) recognising robust standards in cancer care.
I am not surprised at the high standards of excellence this wonderful hospital has attained. When I was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2008 and needed a bone marrow transplant, I was sent to St James's Hospital for this life-saving procedure.
Under Prof Elisabeth Vandenberghe and her wonderful team, I recovered after seven weeks.
I cannot thank the caring professionals enough. From clerical to catering, security, administration, cleaners, carers and the staff at the nearby blood bank, I was always greeted with a warm smile and tenderness and the encouragement to continue to get back up on the horse.
It all meant so much to my worried family and friends when they came to visit. Thank you all so much.
Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo
Capping judicial review is no solution to delays in infrastructure projects
Recent commentary blames judicial review for delays in infrastructure and housing projects, prompting proposals to cap legal costs for successful applicants at €35,000.
Judicial review exists not to frustrate policy, but to meet ­Ireland's obligations under the Aarhus Convention, which requires access to environmental justice to be 'fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive'.
Given our expensive legal system, capping legal fees at €35,000 would effectively deny access to justice for many. Meanwhile, the State would remain free to spend unlimited sums on its own legal team.
This imbalance undermines the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law and the principle of 'equality of arms' in legal proceedings.
Instead of undermining this essential right, we should address the real issue: Ireland spends just 0.07pc of its GDP on its legal and judicial system – the lowest in Europe. Chronic underfunding, not judicial review, is the main cause of court delays.
Tony Lowes, Friends of the Irish Environment, Eyeries, Co Cork
Our fridge is still going strong after 30-odd years – can anyone beat that?
Claire Byrne's ­radio programme last Tuesday discussed the lifespan of washing machines and fridges. We have a Hotpoint fridge-freezer in our garage, more than 30 years old and still working away.
I judge the age on my being retired since 2010, and we had it for many years before that. Is this a record ? I must away now, to reverse a litre of milk out of the garage.