Sir, - The image of prisonships (used in the 1798 Rebellion and in more recent times) and the harrowing images of the Boat People put us off the notion of "flotels". But this may be a cultural prejudice that we need to overcome. Living on the banks of the Amazon, the Caboclos require stilts under their homes. Perfectly normal. When our native population begins to see the viability and attractiveness of aquatic housing, the term "flotel" will cease to have negative connotations. After all, future generations may well decide to live under the surface of the ocean or in distant space stations, so the conventional image of house, flat or apartment as understood today may have its foundations rocked sooner than later, given the way house prices are going!
If you don't like the future, look to the past. What was the crannog? Ancient Irish lake-dwelling? Correct! I am convinced that if anthropology were introduced as a core subject in transition year, we might learn a lot about our own culture, and the cultures of those we now welcome to our shores.
So, what about "flotels"? On an island surrounded by water and blessed with extensive inland waterways - and a temperate climate - they sound more promising to me than igloos or tepees. But let's start experimenting with the notion ourselves, before trying it out on immigrants. Architects of Ireland, get busy!
As the number of priests, monks, brothers and nuns declines and as religious orders opt out of education, it is time that a portion of their lands and buildings become temporary accommodation centres and/or training centres for immigrants. These centres could become powerhouses in which arts, crafts and belief systems could be celebrated in a programme of cultural exchange, based on interprovincial dispersal of immigrants within the overall frame of a sound integrational policy. Let whatever light is left of Christianity in Ireland shine now; and may it be reflected. - Is mise,
Gabriel Rosenstock, Gleann na gCaorach, Co Atha Cliath.