In relation to Russian ambassador to Ireland Maxim Peshkov’s comments that future restrictions imposed on Russia would be a “double-edged blade” for the Irish economy, I would like to remind Mr Peshkov that it is not the prerogative of any state to bully another state into changing its policy or values, or indeed annexing the territory of a “brotherly nation”.

Since 1823 the US has maintained the Monroe doctrine, which prohibits non-American interference on the American continent, north and south.

In 2011, it was suggested that smoking in a car with children might be outlawed in Ireland, owing to the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The concerns of the Garda Inspectorate penalty points report should be addressed immediately by the Government.

The Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has described the Aer Lingus decision to sue SIPTU for damages to the tune of millions as being unhelpful.

The renewed enthusiasm among Leaving Certificate students for the study of languages (‘Languages gain student popularity in Leaving Certificate’, Irish Examiner, 10 March) bodes well for Ireland’s future economic development and the promotion of a multi-cultural, linguistically diverse society in Ireland.

John Bellew is wrong to say that “the country was brought to the brink of bankruptcy, in 2008, by a single decision taken on one particular autumn night” [Letters, March 15].

I’m not a fan of Henry Kissinger, but I agree with most of his article of March 5, about Ukraine, in the Washington Post. He wrote: “if Ukraine is to survive and thrive, it must not be either side’s outpost against the other — it should function as a bridge between them … Ukraine should not join NATO”.

In your Letters to the Editor section (March 14) a Fr. Thomas O’Flynn, in writing about the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, claimed “there are other uninvestigated clerical scandals with adolescents that occurred at other locations around the country.”

Teachers agree with much of what Victoria White states in her thoughtful and measured contribution on educational innovation (Irish Examiner, March 13).