Sir, – Breda O’Brien (“Friendship beats Bluesky for your mental health”, Opinion & Analysis, November 30th) points to an important issue: “Today our troubles stem from the inability to sit and quietly chat in the same room with someone.”
This is increasingly noticeable in the delivery of public services and is sadly creeping into the NGO sector. Ticking the box, aided by the computer screen, while even avoiding eye-contact, is further isolating fellow human beings, and those giving time in delivery of much-needed services can find themselves being accused of wasting valuable time.
Tony Gill, a street poet who rests in our plot in Glasnevin cemetery, wrote:
“Today I spoke to no one,
And nobody spoke to me.
Am I dead?” – Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.