Sir, - It would appear that, as a society and a democracy, we have chosen to follow the same socioeconomic path taken by the United States and Britain. Our elected representatives have, with our acquiescence, set out to create a society of both appalling poverty and excessive wealth.
A recent study of European public housing estates by Anne Power, featured in The Irish Times ("Voices from the Edge", January 12/13th), stated that some of Europe's most impoverished and deprived areas existed in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
One third of Irish children are living in poverty. Heroin addiction and homelessness have doubled since 1990. Educational, health and recreational facilities in these areas are grossly inadequate. The Government's recent Budget was a disgrace in the manner in which it favoured the wealthy. It took £20 million, set aside by the previous Government for sports and recreational facilities in some of the most deprived areas, and gave it to the GAA instead.
Everyone is entitled to good, safe housing, health, education, and above all, an opportunity of advancement. In a civilised society, these are basic conditions for all, not just for those who can afford it.
Crime, poverty and a lack of real opportunity are inextricably linked. So, while we distract ourselves with issues of vast importance, such as where the President takes Communion, we should remember that we live in the society that we nurture, and we will reap what we sow. - Yours, etc.,
Gerard Burke-Kennedy Portobello, Dublin 8.