The recent exchanges in your paper about the possibility of making Irish optional for the Leaving Certificate raise many serious questions about the point and purpose of it being compulsory.

The map which illustrates the article (County, Feb 28) on the West Cork Railway is marred by failing to indicate Drimoleague whose station had a pre-eminent position in that section of the railway.

The Franco-German motor is moving into overdrive — we are heading for yet another EU treaty, driven by Merkel and Sarkozy.

I find these public fundraising appeals for hospitals disingenuous particularly when lead by the highest-paid hospital consultants in Europe.

Declan Doyle (Letters, March 5) is on the button.

Once again the EU has published a report telling us that women earn less than men.

Our vehicle numbering system, which has been in operation since the late 1980s, is the essence of simplicity and clarity and has attracted much favourable comment from abroad.

Mike McKillen (Letters, March 3) raises a pertinent question in relation to how and who will govern the new National Children’s Hospital.

It would appear that once again the Irish people are indulging in the national pasttime of unbridled victimhood.

Age Action is alarmed by comments by the IMF that the Government needs to cut key supports for older people such as free travel and free electricity/gas units, and Over-70s medical cards, and “assess the appropriateness of the real state pension rate”.