Madam, - I feel strongly about the refusal to rent cars to those over 75 years, as reported in your paper on July 21st. In fact as far as I am aware the age should have been 70 years.
It is quite extraordinary that I am fully licensed and insured to drive a car in this country yet I cannot hire a car here. At the same time I can hire a car from any of the international firms for use on the continent. I have just returned from such a trip to Italy and Slovenia.
The only requirement was the production of a valid driving licence and credit card. Age was never mentioned. The fee was the local standard rate with no loading. The firm involved was Avis. I might mention that I am 84 years of age.
If, as stated, international firms arrange insurance with overseas companies, why are Irish-based car hire firms discriminated against? At this time, when Irish tourist interests are feeling the pinch, surely this exclusion must be a factor of some importance. In fact, it would seem worthy of national investigation. - Yours, etc.,
EDWARD J. O'BRIEN, Church Road, Blackrock, Cork.