A chara, - Your Editorial of October 6th, "Getting it right on Integration", correctly castigates the Government for its inadequate response to the challenge presented to Irish society by the large influx of immigrants.
It must be self-evident that a working knowledge of English is essential if new arrivals are to blend with the indigenous society and, since the Government controls the education system, it is its duty to ensure that adequate structures and finance are put in place to meet the needs of immigrants already here.
In the longer term, however, the Government should take steps to reduce the economic burden now placed on Irish society by immigrants arriving without having the benefit of a working knowledge of the English language.
In the interests of fair play for Irish taxpayers, all future immigrants should be obliged to have a working knowledge of English before they are granted entry visas. Alternatively, employers who recruit such workers should be obliged to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their integration, including the provision of necessary English language instruction for each worker, and for her/his dependants. - Is mise,
LIAM Ó GÉIBHEANNAIGH, Áth an Ghainimh, Co Átha Cliath