Many people were rightly repulsed by Richard Dawkins primitive/less-than-enlightened views on the treatment of Down Syndrome infants. Having said that, in many ways Dawkins views are merely reflective of what emerges from a doctrinaire adherence to Darwinian theories. Not evolution, per se, but this particular deviant variant. Darwins adherents have always had a less than benign view of what their perverse ideology regards as lesser forms of life.

I applaud Professor Kinsella’s proposal, in your recent edition (Letters, August 30), to help rebuild Gaza’s economy by establishing scholarships, but am a little disappointed in his proposed list of subjects. 

First year post-primary students around the country braved huge changes in their lives this week; the move to a new school, separation from siblings, 15+ new/mostly new subjects, 15 or so new teachers, new fellow students, new books, new rules, new procedures, new times, longer days, more homework, tiredness, separation from friends now in other schools, all in the space of a week or less and all without special training, attention or experience.

It is correct to categorise the problem of unemployment as possibly the greatest social evil of today.

While not attempting to dismiss the obvious grief of bereaved families and the undoubted comfort arising from the expressions of sympathy by friends and the community at large, the question should be raised as to the criteria and justification for State funerals.

Isn’t the world in a bad state? The Middle East is in meltdown. The Russians have annexed Crimea, and are rapidly advancing on Ukraine. Whose to stop them? The best the West can do is sanctions. What else can we do, nothing. We are powerless.

Personally I have to agree with Jarlath Burns (Letters, August 27) when he states that more major GAA games should be played at venues outside of Croke Park and at venues adequately equipped to host such games.

The CSO recently calculated wages, and it was done, by including the wages of management in these sectors and that’s why the number is so high. As a result, it gives a very misleading view that the public sector earns way more than private sector and it’s a deliberate act. The wages of management staff are way too high in the public sector.

John Bruton is "facing up to the ageing problem, while others are sitting on their hands," he wrote in an article in a Sunday newspaper.

The reconstruction of Gaza is a priority for the international community. Education is central. Irish third-level institutions can contribute.