Sir, - With reference to Padraig O Morlin's article on the value of the Childline service (March 4th) I would like to make a number of points. Firstly, the Childline service, from my understanding, is not simply an "abuse referral" service but a child support service that endeavours to provide children and young adults with a mechanism to express their grievances to somebody who will listen.
Secondly, the fact that anybody within the Southern Health Board could refer to the number of new child-abuse referrals received from Childline as "insignificant" is astonishing. Whether the number of new case referrals be one, two or 100, then the service is to be commended and supported.
It highlights yet again the careless nature and Victorian outlook of those invested by the State with the welfare of our children, and further emphasises the absolute need for agencies and services such as the ISPCC and Childline. - Yours, etc.,
Blackditch Farm, Newcastle, Co Wicklow.