Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed was asked the same question at least seven times on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, on Wednesday’s show, and each time he gave an answer which was far removed from what he was asked.

We certainly need a rights culture in terms of basic human rights for the disabled.

Two former taoisigh, Bertie Ahern and John Bruton, were interviewed on RTÉ TV’s This week in Politics last Sunday, making a joint demand for rerunning of the 2016 Brexit referendum, which is surely an affront to democracy, especially coming from these former prominent politicians.

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Your letters, your views...

Your letters, your views...

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is obviously a decent prelate in the right place and at the right time. Unlike his predecessors, however, who alienated the people with their heavy handed authorianism and hypocrisy, Archbishop Martin comes across as one who wishes to serve rather than its opposite.

There would seem to be money for everything at government level.

After the terrible attacks in Paris where 130 people were murdered, it makes me think of Gaza — as there are similarities and hypocritical differences.

Re the recent article in the Irish Examiner, by Niamh Horan, under the heading “We need to start talking about Aids here again”, I found it to be constructive, well-balanced and helpful, as I am certain it was to other readers.

Treating Gardaí as ‘blue collar workers’, pardon the cliché, is despicable. While sneaking pay cuts in the back door is downright insulting.

In relation to the depiction of violence, there are two ways in which it can be shown. it can be shown dispassionately or it can be glamorised and that is the nub of the problem.

When the idea of a Marriage Equality Referendum was first mooted a furore erupted indicating the need for legislation for the protection of children.

Evert Bopp’s letter (Irish Examiner, March 24) is mischievous in so far as it seeks to convey the impression that a ‘Yes’ vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum will diminish the status in the Constitution of marriage between a man and a woman.

Successive Governments have overlooked support for sheltered housing for the elderly.

I think you missed the boat by not putting Dan Buckley’s article about U2 on the front page on Wednesday. Love them or loathe them, it was massive worldwide news with an Irish flavour.

After viewing Watchdog on BBC 1 on Wednesday night where they related the ill-effects of methylisothiazolinone (MI), I realised by inspecting a number of items in our home that its use is widespread and a danger to many people.

Because of the downturn in the building industry, partially completed private housing developments have been lying unsold. Uncertainty reigned and nothing happened.

Large sections of the country have no early intervention teams for children with serious disabilities, potentially hindering their development, as recently reported in the Irish Examiner by Fiachra O’Cionnaith.

Over the past few weeks we have learnt of the horrific cruelty inflicted on a number of Irish horses that subsequently resulted in their deaths. Who could fail to be moved by the distressing picture of the horse in Wicklow lying on the ground, legs broken after a severe beating, eventually euthanised while her foal stood nearby?

With the proposed closure of the Whitegate Oil Refinery, there is in the opinion of many people an urgent need for Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte to set up a task force to examine the upgrading of the refinery to ensure the livelihood of the current 350-plus Cork employees and contractors and in the interests of the motoring public.

The people of Midleton and Youghal are deeply concerned about the nature of future proposals for the HSE ambulance service in the East Cork region and anxiously seek clarification.

Last year I filled out the local property tax form and handed it in to the local council with a cheque, no problem.

When we are divided we are well on the way to being conquered.

Each year many groups make representations and submissions to Government and particularly in the lead-up to the budget.

As we approach Christmas and the celebrations to mark it, it is worth giving some consideration to what is done to ensure that people without a home are given the supports and services they deserve.

‘What are we going to do about the rates? Businesses are closing.’

With the economic recession compounded by greedy landlords and the relentless increase in annual rates — with last year and this year the exceptions — many commercial concerns have closed. Others struggle for survival.

As an animal lover I fully endorse the sentiments expressed by Chris McCarthy (Letters, Aug 20).

Where low-cost sites are available in rural areas, local authorities should recognise the security benefits of families living close to elderly relatives when considering planning permission.

There is an urgent need for the Minister for Finance to amend the Valuation Act 2001 to allow the business community to improve their shops without excess increases in valuation.

I welcome your editorial of May 10, “Time for a debate on road Tolls,” with emphasis on the Jack Lynch Tunnel Cork.

THIS letter is written in response to a statement made by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.