Miriam Beattie (We should keep the Eighth Amendment, Irish Examiner, September 5) states: “Ireland was once known as the safest place in the world to have a baby”.

If a man rapes me he will serve approximately 10 years in prison (that’s if he is even convicted).

In 2010, a journalist wrote: “If I don’t write about Irish involvement in one of the most seismic events in the 20th century — the continental defeats of France and Britain in May-June, 1940 — who, pray, will?”

The tragic and unnecessary deaths of three homeless people again highlight the unconscionable housing situation in this country ‘Housing summit following deaths of homeless’ (Irish Examiner, September 2).

The pre-Budget submission from Alcohol Action Ireland demonstrates that there will be a massive price to pay for minimum unit pricing (MUP) by even moderate drinkers.

Dating is hard and social media has not made it any easier. Dating websites are choc-a-bloc with timewasters, nasty people, and those who like getting endless messages on their electronic devices so they can play with them.

Cork is my home and Cork city is a place that I am immensely proud of. I love my city. I love my county and recognise the great work that is carried out in both areas every day of the week by both the city and county councils.

I am pleased to note that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was willing to spend at least a couple of hours discussing the matter of reproductive healthcare and access to abortion facilities with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The right to private property is one of the tenets of a civilised society and when bankrupt governments begin to impinge upon that sacred right, it is safe to assume that society as we know it is entering a season of decay and decline.

The health service needs critical and and comprehensive reform. This Government either commits to reform now or continues to inflict misery on patients and their families.