Madam, - On Monday evening I read your description of the deportation to Nigeria of schoolchildren preparing for state examinations in the Ireland of the Celtic Tiger.
Early next morning I read the Venerable Bede's account of Ireland in the Dark Ages: "At this time there were many in Ireland who had left their own country to pursue learning. . .The Irish welcomed them all with kindness, and, without asking for payment, provided them with daily food, books and instruction."
Could anyone give me a working definition of "progress"? - Yours, etc.,
COLMÁN Ó CLABAIGH, OSB,
Glenstal Abbey,
Murroe,
Co Limerick.