With reference to the recent Prime Time report, as a community-based family centre providing early intervention and prevention childcare services, I would first like to state our abhorrence of the emotional and physical abuse of the children featured in the programme and to address some of the issues raised.

Your coverage and editorial pieces on the Australian position regarding plain packaging for tobacco products, fails to mention the downsides.

You report that “a complete ban on smoking in hospitals and on adjoining grounds in the Mid-West comes into force this Thursday” (Irish Examiner, May 29).

May I add our voice to the growing opposition to the HSE ban on smoking in hospital grounds (Irish Examiner, May 23).

THE banks have already committed all the citizens of this country to such massive debts that we may eventually end up defaulting in which case there simply may not be cash to pay teachers, nurses etc.