I could scarcely believe my eyes when I read of two pharmaceutical firms advertising for staff on the jobsbridge/internship initiative set up by our government.

I agree 100% with Declan O’Connor’s views (Letters, Jan 13) on the judiciary and the need for a wake-up call.

The recent revelation that €100m of taxpayers’ money has already been spent in setting up Irish Water with much more to follow is an outrageous scandal and an expression of outright contempt towards the taxpayer and the consumer.

I am impressed with Pope Francis’s courage and conviction. He has spoken out about things that are close to my heart. He is leading by example, living as simple a life as possible.

Friday’s announcement that the new Independent Charities Regulator was to be established is welcomed by most charities, including Concern, which has long advocated tighter regulations.

I am writing to you to ask why we do not have hydro-electric plants up and running around the country?

Michael O’Donnell (Letters, Jan 15) makes sense, suggesting the collection of rain water from Irish roofs.

Really, nobody should be surprised by the poisonous revelations emanating from the Central Remedial Clinic and Irish Water.

It is time for the annual ceremony to mark the founding of Dáil Eireann, on Jan 21, 1919, to be given more emphasis and publicity.

Why are we being preached to about the CRC?